Page 12 - TTMNJan2023

Auto Tech
Page 12 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Raider Auto at Roseville Area Schools

New Facilities September 1, 2021

Ken “Mr. Sops” Sopcinski speech would be about 4 year colleges, not
Roseville High School trades schools. This was a real sea change in
The automotive program at Roseville thinking and it was indeed part of the national
High School came about the late 60s. Like conversation. Why are we no longer preparing
many high school automotive programs across students to enter the trades?
the country, the facilities, tools, and equipment That mentality coupled with a Building
were also from those years. Upgrade Bond being passed in Roseville, led
Up until 2 years ago, the program was us to the facility we have today. The sharehold-
taught from a 50+ year old facility that was ers of the community asked for and approved,
originally a wood shop. It was housed in the arguably one of the finest high school automo-
district’s former high school which had been tive facilitates in the country. Many people Students in the Know Your Car class learning how to read emissions stickers in order to identify
converted into the middle school. It was small, remark that it looks like a dealership. I like to make, model, year & engine displacement.
outdated and off campus. None of which was a reply, “it’s better”.
great combination. Two years ago, we opened an 8 bay, 6400 The knowledge of how to pick one that will be I have been able to track, we have achieved
However, it was what we had and we hundred square foot automotive repair facility. reliable and not be a money pit will be of high a 96% graduation rate from post-secondary
made it work. This time on- campus and attached to the high value to them. In addition, students learn basic school. Thus students get a wonderful enrich-
Then the community stepped up . . . big school. The facility is set up very similar to maintenance, care, insurance, careers and any ing experience in high school that prepares
time. facilities found in the industry, along with the current events related to the automotive indus- them for the next step.
In 2016 I noticed a unique phenomenon comparable tools and equipment. try including the onset of Electric Vehicles. Want to know more about us? Check out
happening. The US presidential candidates We offer two types of classes within our In my 25 years of teaching this program, Raider Auto Shop on Facebook. https://www.
were, as part of their stump speeches, stating automotive program. I have helped place close to 300 students into facebook.com/raiderauto
the need for more trades opportunities in our The first are our Automotive Mechanics the automotive industry. Many of the dealer-
high schools. Usually, this part of a typical Classes. Our curriculum is “We fix real car ships and independent shops in the area have
with real problems.” or have had former students on their payrolls.
Community members Many of these students attended post-second- www.isd623.org
contact us about their vehi- ary technical school as well. Of the students
cles and if it’s a type of
repair or maintenance we
perform, we service their
vehicles. Thus the students
have an opportunity for
everything from developing
tool use skills (a lost oppor-
tunity for many of their
generation unfortunately) to
knowing/discovering if the
automotive field is a good fit
for their future.
We also offer a class
called Know Your Car.
This class is popular
with students who wish to
“You deserve a break today” is an old McDonald’s jingle. This learn how to buy a car. Espe-
2005 Toyota deserves a brake today too. New ones. That is cially a good used car. The
exactly the kind of work the students perform at Raider Auto. reality is their first car will
Need your auto serviced ? Let’s see if we can help you. Email Four of the Six technicians in this picture started in Raider auto shop classes. Roseville alumni
Raiderauto@isd623.org be old, with high mileage. getting it done!