Students looking to enter the workforce right after graduation have a unique opportunity in Salem’s automotive program, which prepares them for a wide range of careers in auto mechanics and related fields. The program, overseen by Chad Bryan, goes beyond teaching students how to fix cars. It equips them with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to build successful careers, whether in local shops or further afield.

“We’re not just teaching students how to turn wrenches,” Bryan explains. “The automotive industry is so much broader than people think. It’s about diagnostics, engineering, sales, and more. My goal is to expose students to all aspects of the field so they can find something they’re passionate about.”

The program offers a variety of courses, ranging from introductory automotive and electricity classes to advanced dual-credit courses that count toward both high school graduation and college credits. Students not only learn the mechanics of vehicle maintenance and repair but also pick up essential life skills—like how to buy and maintain their own cars— making the program valuable even for those who don’t plan to pursue a career in the field.

For those who do want to enter the workforce, the Salem automotive program opens doors to opportunities many students hadn’t previously considered. “Some students may go into working on mining equipment in Montana, while others stay local and work at dealerships,” says Bryan. “Whatever path they choose, we’re giving them the technical foundation to be successful.”

The program’s impact on the community is significant. Many of Bryan’s former students are now working in local dealerships and shops, contributing to the area’s economy and staying connected to the school. “I plant the seed here, but it’s amazing to see how these students flourish once they’re out in the real world,” he says with pride.

Salem’s automotive program is also part of the larger Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, which offers students a variety of courses in trades like metals, woodwork, and small engines. Bryan and his CTE colleagues work together to ensure students are taking the classes that best fit their interests and career goals. “It’s all about giving students options,” Bryan explains. “We want them to understand the opportunities available, whether they’re planning to go to college or straight into a trade.”

Bryan’s own journey into teaching informs his approach to the program, but he prefers to let the program—and his students’ success—take center stage. With more than a decade of teaching under his belt, he remains deeply passionate about giving his students the skills and confidence they need to succeed, no matter their background or future plans. “We’re here to help them make the right connections and learn as much as they can in the time they have,” he says.

Ultimately, the Salem automotive program stands as a model of how hands-on learning can make a real difference in students’ lives. Whether they’re diagnosing an engine problem or managing a tool room, students leave the program with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to build lasting careers in a fast-evolving industry. For Bryan, that’s what makes it all worthwhile. “We’re preparing them for life after high school, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”