JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Bigger Johnstown Higher Faculty senior Cheyenne Penrod signed a total-time position settlement with Thomas Automotive on Tuesday as the 1st spot student to be awarded a scholarship via a method the firm introduced this calendar year.
Penrod has labored for Thomas aspect-time as an automotive technician by way of her vocational co-op. Finding out she’d be made available a total-time profession just after significant college was thrilling for her.
“I was super-energized,” she explained. “I could not hold out.”
The scholarship includes a a person-year apprenticeship at the corporation that she has fulfilled previously, $1,000 in funds, $2,500 value of instruments and confirmed work.
There were being 4 awards handed out in the Thomas marketplaces of Johnstown, Bedford and Cumberland, Maryland.
“It came out of the require for provider experts,” Thomas Automotive expertise resources Manager Keith Kuckenbrod explained of the program.
Kuckenbrod said there are not quite a few persons pursuing the career, which is why the organization additional the incentive.
Penrod enrolled in the Greater Johnstown Faculty District automotive technological know-how vocational program her freshman yr and has worked diligently ever given that.
She credits her father, Kenny Penrod, and her uncle for her highly developed talent in the trade. She claimed she put in a lot of time in the garage with them rising up, learning almost everything she could.
That, coupled with her interest in how mechanics operate, led her to the automotive tech program, where instructor Thomas Mattis said he could convey to she was an adept learner and a good candidate for a co-op posture.
Cheyenne Penrod moved up by means of the software and sought out the Thomas posture.
Mattis recommended her mastery of the product and mentioned she been given the highest rating on the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Screening Institute) test that he’s witnessed in his 16 many years at the school.
He joked that the “worst factor you can explain to her is, ‘I never imagine you can do that,’ ” because Penrod then would make it her mission to attain the task.
“She’s come a long way,” Kenny Penrod mentioned, incorporating that she carries on to impress him.
Cheyenne Penrod’s mom, Darlene Penrod, extra that she imagined mechanics was a pastime and didn’t count on her daughter to convert it into a career.
“I’m quite proud of everything she’s completed,” Darlene Penrod claimed.
Michael Dadey, superior school principal, was excited about the accomplishment as well. As the school’s principal and vocational director, he’s very pleased of Cheyenne Penrod’s accomplishments.
“This is a terrific possibility, not only for Cheyenne, but for Thomas and our college students,” Dadey said.
Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be attained at 814-532-5054. Abide by him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.