PBSC automotive students explore career opportunities with Ford executives

PBSC Automotive Repair Technician students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals from Ford Motor Company and local Ford dealership Greico Ford of Delray Beach at the Drive Your Future: Lincoln/Ford Student Event. Held at the College’s Lake Worth campus, the event allowed students to explore career opportunities within the automotive industry.

Students learned how to begin their journey in the automotive field, received job preparation tips and discussed the future of the automotive industry. The event featured a special presentation by Ford Technical Placement Specialist Eduardo Tautiva, who offered insightful career advice. 

“Your energy, you coming in on time and asking questions, is what’s going to propel you,” Tautiva said. “That dedication, that commitment of wanting to be a master technician is what’s going to propel you forward in your career because employers will invest in you.” 

Tautiva discussed new technologies and trends in the field. He explained that mobile repair technicians represent the fastest-growing sector at Ford. With a rise in demand for at-home services, mobile technicians now travel to clients’ locations for repairs and maintenance, offering a more convenient experience for customers. Tautiva also emphasized the growing importance of electric vehicles and encouraged students to strengthen their electrical skills and take advantage of training opportunities while in school.

In response to the industry's growing demand for electric vehicle experts, PBSC will be the first in the state to offer training for the repair and maintenance of green vehicles thanks to $4.1 million in federal funding allocated by the Dept. of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. The College will use the funds to create a new certificate program dedicated to electric and alternative fuel vehicles on the Lake Worth campus.  

“When I coordinate an interview with an automotive student to one of my dealerships, I can look the dealership right in the eye and say he comes from Palm Beach State College,” Tautiva said. “Palm Beach State College puts out a good product. I always get positive feedback from the dealerships.” 

Jessica Foreman, who graduated from the Automotive Repair Technician program in 2022, agrees with Tautiva. Now a technician at Greico Ford of Delray Beach, she believes PBSC gave her a strong foundation to launch her career. During the program, most of the cars she worked on were Fords. So when she started her job, she was already familiar with many of the models she works with at the dealership.  

“I would choose Palm Beach State because the faculty here are very nice and friendly, and then for the money that you pay for your education, you're getting a very good education,” Foreman said.

Learn more about the Automotive Repair Technician program