This week, CSAI Director Austin Maness accepted an invitation from Paris High School (PHS) Senior Automotive Instructor Bryan Ochoa to speak with students about the exciting educational pathways available at NTCC.
To help capture their attention, Maness brought a stunning 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake directly to the PHS shop. From freshmen to seniors, students gathered in the classroom as Maness highlighted the numerous, high-demand career opportunities waiting for them in the automotive and auto body industries. The visit generated quite a buzz across the campus. Several teachers and ISD administrators even stopped by the shop to witness the students' enthusiasm firsthand.
“I’m glad [CSAI] was able to make it,” exclaimed Ochoa. “I've never had that many students stay after school!”
The event’s appeal extended well beyond the auto shop. While the majority of attendees were currently enrolled in auto tech courses, many students from other programs received special permission to leave class, join the discussion, and get a close-up look at the Shelby. The presentation clearly resonated: during one session comprised primarily of seniors, several students were so inspired that they immediately began completing their NTCC admission applications for the Fall 2027 semester.
The automotive sector is just one example of the many technical fields currently facing a critical shortage of skilled labor, making NTCC's training programs more vital than ever.
“Considering the alarming need for skilled workers in the auto industry and seeing the enthusiasm from these students to become proficient in automotive technology, it feels good to be a part of the bridge between both sides of the equation,” Maness said.
