J-Tech

Hands-on learning in Mrs. Hendrix’s Automotive class!

Students are diving deep into engine repair as they work through the removal of the cylinder head from a Kia Rio. This project gives students real-world experience with engine components, disassembly procedures, organization, and precision work that today’s automotive technicians use every day.

At J-Tech, learning goes beyond the classroom, students spend their time in the lab building the skills and confidence needed for the automotive industry. Great job to Mrs. Hendrix’s class for tackling another major project!

Mr. Senske’s Class: Tire Change and Balance Practice

Students in Mr. Senske’s class are practicing one of the most fundamental skills in the automotive industry, proper tire removal, mounting, and wheel balancing. Beyond simply changing a tire, students learn the importance of balancing procedures to help reduce vibration, improve tire wear, and ensure safe vehicle operation.

At J-Tech, students spend time in the lab applying techniques used in professional shops, building the confidence and experience employers look for. Skills like these create the foundation for careers in automotive service and repair.

Airbag Safety Test

What happens when an airbag deploys? In Mr. Learn’s class, students didn’t just talk about it, they saw it firsthand.

As part of a controlled safety demonstration, an airbag was activated to show students the incredible speed, force, and potential danger involved during deployment. While airbags save lives, understanding how these systems work is critical for anyone entering the automotive and marine repair industries. Improper handling during diagnostics or repair can lead to serious injury.

Experiences like this help turn textbook knowledge into real-world awareness. At J-Tech, hands-on training means learning not only how to repair vehicles and systems, but also how to work safely around the technology found in today’s equipment.

Safety, skill, and real-world experience, because knowing why procedures matter is just as important as knowing how to perform them.

Learning the Fundamentals: Oxy-Acetylene Torch Work in Action

There’s more to metal cutting than pulling a trigger. In Mr. Waters’ Welding class, students Daniel Stowell, Stacey Mathis and Julio Santana were building hands-on experience with oxy-acetylene cutting using both hand-held torches and a track torch setup. Learning the differences in torch control, travel speed, and maintaining a clean cut are foundational skills that transfer directly into fabrication, repair, and industrial welding environments.

At J-Tech, students spend time in the lab applying techniques used in the field—developing the precision, safety habits, and confidence employers expect. Nice work by Daniel and Julio putting in the reps and sharpening their skills.

Precision matters!

Precision matters in diesel diagnostics, and Mr. Shorie’s Diesel Technology students are getting hands-on experience where it counts.

In the diesel workshop, DATE students are learning how to diagnose valve train issues by measuring valve guide tolerances and inspecting components for wear that can impact engine performance, compression, and reliability. Using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and bore mics, students compare measurements against manufacturer specifications to identify excessive clearance, valve instability, and cylinder head wear found in real-world diesel engines.

This type of advanced diagnostics training gives students valuable experience with the same measuring techniques and equipment used throughout the diesel industry, where accuracy and attention to detail are critical to proper engine performance and longevity.