Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Pictured here is the CCISD’s Automotive Technology classroom in Hancock. While the classroom is in the repair shop of the former Lindrus Chevrolet dealership, it is not quite the same as the fast-paced repair shops of operating dealerships.

HANCOCK —  Copper Country Intermediate School District’s Automotive Technology students will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in what it is like to work as an automotive technician by touring auto dealerships in the Houghton-Hancock area next week, according to George Stockero, CCISD superintendent.

Michigan Works! and the CCISD have partnered to provide the Auto Tech students with a real-life work experience by hosting what they call Talent Tours.

“Michigan Works! has been a great partner in helping organizing the Talent Tours,” Stockero said.

The tours will provide the students exposure to working as an automotive technician in a professional setting. They will also tour other aspects of the dealerships, such as the Parts Department, Sales and Service, while at the same time, interacting with technicians who have come through the program.

“We’ve never done this before, but it’ll be a great experience for the kids to see what actually happens there,”Jeff LaMuth, Auto Tech instructional aid, said.

“Basically the Talent Tours are a field trip to automotive dealerships, where the students will see the inner workings of the business”, LaMuth said.

“It’s going to be different than what they see here at the school,” he said. “There, everything is fast-paced, and focused. In addition to the repair shop, they’ll see how the sales and service department works, and how parts and part sales function.”

The three classes will visit Copper Country Ford, Keweenaw Chevrolet, both in Houghton, and Northern Auto, located in Hancock. The tours are scheduled for Tuesday, December 6.

Stockero is pleased with the creation of the field trips.

“These talent tours are just one example the opportunities we work hard to provide,” he said. “Providing CTE opportunities for Copper Country students is a priority for the CCISD.”

Stockero said he knows the student value the CTE program, too, citing the enrollment as an example.

“The Auto Tech classes are are very large,” he said “We have a total of 75 students enrolled throughout the day.”