While most classes work with computers and books, Foran’s power tech class teaches students in a different way.
Power Tech offers students a different kind of class as opposed to their regular core classes throughout the day, teaching valuable skills and knowledge in automotive mechanics.
Power Tech is split into three levels. Power Tech 1: Small Gas Engines, Power Tech 2: Intro to Automotive, and Power Tech 3: Advanced Automotive.
Power Tech 1 is spent working on small gas engines. Students will be tasked with dismantling and rebuilding small engines with the goal of having them run. Power Tech 2 and Power Tech 3 are where students start working on car engines.
Mr. William Domeracki is the teacher for all three Power Tech classes.
“In Power Tech 2, the kids are learning how to use power tools. I do a lot of hands-on with the kids. The Power Tech 3 kids are working more independently,” Domeracki says.
Being able to work on their own vehicle won’t just save time; it will also help relieve a financial burden. Haynes is the leading brand in car manuals for owners to work on their own cars. According to Haynes, Americans save on average $3,993 annually by just doing their own maintenance on their cars.
Someone doing their own maintenance doesn’t just save money; it also can give a higher sense of accomplishment. It can feel more rewarding than paying a mechanic to do the job instead.
ChrisFix is the largest car repair influencer in the world, boasting 11 million subscribers on YouTube.
“Like it feels amazing to be able to be like, oh yeah, I do my own maintenance. You also know when you do your own maintenance and stuff that the car is being fixed properly,” ChrisFix states.
Power Tech is different from other classes, not just in the materials used, but also in the environment.
Senior Ethan Dworski described the class as “more hands-on and, in my opinion, more enjoyable and social.”
Being able to work hands-on and in a social setting is a big part of what attracts kids to Power Tech. The skills taught in the class also play a big role in what attracts students to it.
Power Tech is one of the few classes where students are able to learn and apply directly to the real world and their lives.
Senior Benjamin Simpson, who is doing an independent study with Domeracki, is a big automotive enthusiast and is also in Power Tech. “I can work on my car at home and not have to pay a shop,” Simpson stated.
Helping students understand engines and be able to use those skills is the main objective of Power Tech.
“I think everybody should take an automotive class… Like just basic things to keep you safe are very important to know,” ChrisFix argues.
Whether someone is a seasoned mechanic or wants to get into automotive, Power Tech is always a solid option to help them on their automotive journey.
