Matt Smith

JVS Graduate Lives Life in the Fast Lane as Auto Tech for Joyce Buick-Pontiac-GMC

Matt Smith, AutoTechnology, Class of: 2004
Between balancing a full-time job and part-time college classes, Matt Smith is living life in the fast lane.

Yet, if it wasn’t for the Lorain County JVS Auto Technology Program, Matt admits he’d probably just be selling fast food.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and became interested in automobiles as a child when I started building model cars,” stated Matt. “The JVS gave me the tools and confidence I needed to turn my hobby into a great career.”

Matt, 22, is a 2004 graduate from Midview High School, currently working as an auto technician at the Joyce Buick-Pontiac automobile dealership in Lorain.

Matt’s parents, Carl and Cheryl Smith, encouraged him to consider the JVS as an option for his last two years of high school. Matt first visited the JVS during an Open House while he was a sophomore at Midview High School.

He felt right at home after touring the JVS transportation wing, which includes programs in Auto Technology, Industrial Equipment Mechanics, Collision Repair and Commercial Truck Technology.

“At the JVS Open House, both Auto Technology teachers, Clyde Haefele and Darin Lewis, grabbed my attention with their knowledge and enthusiasm about cars,” said Matt. “They assured me that if I was serious about the auto technology industry and worked hard, it would pay off.”

Matt’s hard work began paying off early when he became employed by Joyce Buick during the summer between his junior and senior years. Matt secured his job through the JVS Summer Internship Program.

“When I started at Joyce Buick I performed basic maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations,” confirmed Matt.

He continued working at the auto dealership part-time during his senior year as part of the school’s early job placement program and was hired full-time after he graduated.

Matt enjoys tinkering with his pick-up trucks – a 2004 GMC Sierra and a 1990 Ford Ranger – and he’s happiest when working on cars. His ultimate goal is to someday have his own shop.

To ensure his success, Matt enrolled in the Auto Technology Program at Cuyahoga Community College, where he’s taking evening classes, part-time. He will graduate in 2008 with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology.

Matt also serves on the JVS Auto Technology Advisory Committee along with other business members from Lorain County.

“It’s my way of giving back to the JVS,” said Matt, who also assists his former instructors at the annual open house, helps arrange summer internships for juniors, and offers the teachers suggestions about new technologies they might want to include in their classrooms and lab environments.

“The guidance that the teachers and counselors at the JVS offered helped put me on the path to a very successful career,” affirmed Matt. “They helped me see that the only limits we have in life are the ones we place on ourselves.”

For more information about the Lorain County JVS Auto Technology Program call 440/774-1051, 440/986-6601, or visit www.lcjvs.com.