Auto repair classes disappeared from most American high schools decades ago. But those classes are back, along with a large service bay classroom, at Tallahassee's Lincoln High School.
Darryl Johnson is one of Lincoln's auto tech instructors. He said these classes are nothing like the old high school vo-tech programs.
"You have to be computer-savvy a lot of times on these things. Electrical is a big thing. There are a lot of things in cars nowadays that are controlled by nothing but electrical."
But computer-savvy is something most of today's students already are. And he said students are almost guaranteed a very well-paying job after graduation.
"There's a very big need for the trades in the industries that we have here in Tallahassee. There are some technicians here in town that make 6-digit figures."
Among the dignitaries at Thursday's ribbon cutting was School Board Member Rosanne Woods, whose district includes Lincoln.
"I can see the light in these kids' eyes right now. They are excited about this! There are big careers out there and we need to bring them to our school. This is so important!"
Nearly 100 Lincoln students are already taking the courses. Partners in the program include Lively Vocational College and the Proctor and Tallahassee Ford auto dealerships.
