Monte Vista High School just finished a $7.5 million renovation of its Career Technical Education buildings. It now has a new computer lab, kitchen, metal shop and a state-of-the-art auto shop.
It took seven months to renovate the three buildings that make up more than 32,000 square feet, including the auto shop.
The student mechanics in the auto shop work on cars just like professionals.
Teacher Michael Fleming said the mechanic of today needs to be highly skilled and intelligent.
"We’re problem solvers. We don’t just do oil changes. We fix check engine lights," Fleming said. "We fix cars that aren’t starting. We fix breaks that aren’t working."
Monte Vista senior Raul Barragan said he’s always wanted to work on cars.
"Ever since I was little, I’ve had a passion for cars," Barragan said. "That’s what I wanted to do."
Fleming said his students graduate from high school and are able to find jobs.
“These skills are still employable skills," Fleming said. "And once you have them, you get to make the decision to use it for profit, or save people money, or be a good samaritan and help someone that has a problem."
