Augusta Tech Center Names December Professionals of the Month

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Derek Harding Photo of Julie Francis

AUGUSTA – The Capital Area Technical Center recently announced its December Professionals of the Month.

Derek Harding of Augusta is a sophomore enrolled in the automotive technology program at Coney High School.

He enjoyed his hands on shop work. He feels that he has learned how the systems in cars work, which has taught him that car maintenance is more than changing parts. According to a news release from the center, it is important to learn mechanics so that proper diagnosis can be made to fix any problem.

As a sophomore, Harding will participate in the Jobs for Maine Graduates program at O’Connor Auto Park through an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO). He attends O’Connors on-the-job training and has the opportunity to work on a variety of vehicles, from sports cars to buses to many GM models.

Instructor Keith Hart said, “Derek goes out of his way to improve himself. He is very motivated to learn and picks up mechanical information quickly. He found O’Connor Auto Park a great place and hopes to have a full-time job with them after graduation.

Olivia Gower Submitted photo

Alivia Gower of Windsor is a senior enrolled in her second year in the Machine Tool Technology program at Erskine Academy.

She enjoyed the program as a workplace. She enjoys learning from her instructor, who has years of real-world experience at various machine shops in the area.

Gower has been working in her father’s construction business since she was eligible for a work permit. She does everything from a shovel to a loader, so she has a wide range of skills.

According to her teacher, Daryl Nadeau, “I wish all my students were like Alivia. She is professional, smart and has developed many machine skills.

According to the release, she finds it challenging to work with mostly men because she is a woman. But her gender didn’t become an issue when her classmates and colleagues saw that she could keep up and track.

Gower hasn’t decided what her next step will be after she graduates.