At Iowa Western, we take pride in helping students like Leo Quinteros achieve their dreams and find success in growing industries. Leo graduated two years ago, having completed our Automotive Technology program, and his journey exemplifies the program’s strength in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
Leo’s path started even before he officially became a Reiver. “I took high school classes at Abraham Lincoln,” Leo said, “and they had a really good program that let me start my college courses in junior year. I was able to get half of it done before I even graduated.” This jump-start gave Leo a head start in a field where hands-on experience is critical.
Iowa Western’s Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program is designed for students like Leo—those who want a comprehensive education combining theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world training. With a focus on engine repair, fuel and emission systems, electronic systems, and more, our students are ensured they’re prepared for entry-level positions in the automotive industry.
“The professors were really passionate,” Leo recalls. “Getting the hands-on experience was huge for me because learning through a book just isn’t the same. Doing actual repairs in the shop meant I could apply for jobs and show that I already had some hands-on experience and knowledge.”
With technicians in high demand across the country, programs like ours help fill a growing gap. “A lot of current technicians are retiring,” Leo said, “and having new people entering the field who already know what they’re doing is really important. There’s a lack of technicians no matter where you go—whether it’s family-owned shops or dealerships.”
Iowa Western strives to stay ahead of industry needs by providing students with the tools and technology they’ll encounter in the real world. “Having new lifts, new equipment, anything else to work on repairs would be huge. Dealerships have the newest equipment, so getting experience with that in school is a big step up.”
Leo’s education at Iowa Western not only prepared him for a career as a technician but also helped him advance within the industry. “My initial plan was to be a technician, but then an opening for a service advisor came up. Now, my goal is to become a service manager. Even though I trained as a technician, those classes still help me in my current role by allowing me to explain things in-depth to customers.”
As an institution, we’re proud of the success stories like Leo’s. Iowa Western’s Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare students for careers in this high-tech, fast-growing field. With a comprehensive curriculum and dedicated instructors, we ensure our graduates are not only ready for entry-level positions but also equipped for long-term career growth.
By investing in our programs and facilities, we aim to continue helping students like Leo excel in their careers, benefiting our entire community.
