TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Students from Flowing Wells High School and the J-TED program are getting hands-on experience working alongside professional mechanics this summer, after a local shop owner raised thousands of dollars to save an internship program that lost its funding.
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Z-Tech Automotive owner Dallas Zamorano raised about $7,500 for paid student internships. Several shops, including Bucks Automotive, partnered with Zamorano to take on interns.
Automotive shops participating:
- Advanced Calibration
- Import Service Center
- Affordable Auto Repair
- North End Diesel and Auto Repair
- Z-Tech Automotive
- Buck's Automotive
About 7 students are participating in the program, including Joaquin Oropeza and Ryan LaSalle, both rising seniors at Flowing Wells High School.
"This is definitely a good experience," Oropeza said.
Bucks Automotive owner Mike Nicholson said the auto industry is in need of younger workers. According to Data USA, the average age of workers in the auto industry is 40.
"It's an aging industry and the technicians are aging out, getting ready to retire and someone needs to fill those spots," Nicholson said.
Oropeza said the internship comes at a critical time for the industry.
"I think the automotive industry right now is lacking in employees so this is a great opportunity to bring those employees in," Oropeza said.
LaSalle said the experience will have a lasting impact.
"It really sets you forward in life because it gives you that opportunity to really go straight into a career," LaSalle said.
LaSalle said personal motivation also played a role in his decision to pursue the internship.
"I wanted to learn about cars and wanted to learn how to fix my dad's classic cars which I just want to drive around in enjoy," LaSalle said.
The internships will run through the summer. Fundraising efforts for next summer's program are already underway.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Marc Monroy joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist after moving from KGUN 9’s sister station, KXXV, in Waco, Texas. He graduated from California State University, Northridge, in 2024 with a degree in journalism. A native of Southern California and a bilingual reporter, Marc is excited to serve Southern Arizona and looks forward to connecting with neighbors in the community. Share your story ideas and important issues with Marc by emailing marc.monroy@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
