Equip. Train. Mentor. Launch.
OUR STORY
Not everyone has the means. Everyone deserves the chance.
Why I started ProTech Pathway Foundation — and why I believe shop owners have a responsibility to invest in the next generation.
Equip. Train. Mentor. Launch.
From nursing to engines — with no roadmap
I jumped into this career from nursing as a single mom. No connections in the automotive industry. No money to start over. No formal training. Just a deep love for taking engines apart and putting them back together.
I learned the way mechanics used to learn — hands-on, in the moment, reaching out to fellow skilled trades friends for guidance when I got stuck. There was a time when technical school wasn't even an option for mechanics. You grew up learning the trade from family members, friends, and whoever was willing to show you.
That's how I built my foundation. Not in a classroom — in the real world, under real cars, solving real problems.
I've seen it work firsthand
Every single technician that has worked for me — and still does — came to me with interest and very little experience. I have taken them from barely having any knowledge to master mechanic and technician levels in just a few years. All through hands-on training while working.
I've seen firsthand how fast and capable someone can learn when they actually want to be in this trade. And just as importantly, they quickly figure out if this is not for them.
Wouldn't you rather know that before spending all that money on a tech school program — just to find out this isn't the environment you want to be in?
Equip. Train. Mentor. Launch.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Why shop owners need to be part of this
Not everyone has the means to go to a technical school. Not everyone can afford to enroll in a program that costs thousands of dollars. Parents may want to change careers and still need to work their full-time jobs so they can take care of their families. Kids in school may be undecided on what path they want to take — and this gives them an opportunity to see if the skilled trades fit their future or their interests.
I believe it is important for us as a community to come together and support each other. Teach each other. That is what I am trying to do here.
The skilled trades are facing a workforce shortage, and the solution isn't just more schools — it's more shop owners willing to open their doors, share what they know, and invest time in the people who want to learn.
For career changers
Parents, professionals, and anyone ready for a new path — without quitting their job or going into debt to find out if this is right for them.
For young people
High school students who are undecided get real exposure to the trade before committing to expensive programs. Try it before you buy it.
For shop owners
You have the knowledge, the facility, and the experience. Opening your doors to train the next generation strengthens the entire industry.
For the community
When we teach each other, we build something bigger than any one shop. We build a workforce. We build careers. We build futures.
Equip. Train. Mentor. Launch.
The real question
Wouldn't you rather find out if this trade is for you through a free, hands-on program — before spending thousands on a tech school just to realize it's not the environment you want to be in?
That's what ProTech Pathway exists for. Real training. Real experience. Real answers — before you spend a dime.