Note: Wally has since been hired by Wynne Ford in a mobile tech position where he will assist in the field with motorists in need of help. Wally’s story is a testament to how practical experience, coupled with the right support, can open doors. We can’t wait to see how his passion for cars and audio systems transforms into a rewarding career!
Wally’s journey through the READY program has been one of remarkable growth and determination. After completing the CK Auto Readiness course, Wally moved into his internship at Wynne Ford, where he honed his skills with the help of his dedicated skills trainer, Beret.
Wally what have you been working on with Beret? “Tire changes, oil, and learning how to do state inspections (with assistance),” Wally explained. His tasks at Wynne Ford have pushed him to apply the skills he first learned in the classroom in a hands-on, fast-paced work environment.
What do you want to do after school? Wally’s passion is clear: “I want to work at a car audio shop,” he says. His interest in customizing car audio systems motivates him, and this internship is helping build the skills and confidence he’ll need to achieve that goal.
How has this experience helped you? “It’s teaching me more about cars and stuff like that,” Wally shared. The practical experience in oil changes and tire rotations, along with more advanced tasks, is giving him a solid foundation for his future career.
Beret mentioned you’ve been talking more lately—how has that been? “Yeah, it’s just helped,” Wally agrees, crediting his internship with building his communication skills.
How’s working with Beret? “ It’s very good. My first class, she taught me oil changes, and after that, she’s taught me more stuff about cars.”
Beret’s Perspective on Supporting READY Participants: “I let them struggle and work through it,” Beret explains. “Wally can get hyper-focused on one task, it was a lot easier to transition from class to the internship because he already knew me and what to expect.” This familiarity helped Wally adjust to the faster pace of the shop.
Beret also highlighted Wally’s initiative, noting his eagerness to learn and improve. “He’s been working on reading, using catalogs and YouTube as a tool for learning, and even asked about adult speech lessons. “Wally you’re capable, you can do it,” Beret said to him. “Once they see they can do it the options are endless,” Beret added.
“His initiative is something I love… he’s never not doing anything!” Beret adds. Wally has become more confident, walking around the shop and engaging with coworkers. “He’ll walk right up and shake hands with Juan, the technician manager, without any prompting—it’s night and day from when he started.”