Page 68 - august2017lifeinnaples

YOUNG WOMEN FIND THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION’S
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS PROGRAM

A FITTING CAREER CHOICE

by Steven Kissinger
B ethany Clay studied criminal justice at Clewiston

High School for all four years, graduated and
was well on her way to a career in the field. Then
she took a tour of Immokalee Technical Center and the
Heavy Equipment Mechanics program. “I kind of fell in
love,” she said.
Heavy Equipment Mechanics, a two-year post-
secondary program, is an unexpected choice for girls, Clay
acknowledged. But it was the right choice for her. She
became the first female to graduate from the program a few
months ago. “I like it because it doesn’t just require physical
abilities; it requires you to think things through. And you’re
never going to go to work and do the same thing every day.”
“After the first year of the program, the students apply
for a 10-week internship in which the pay ranges from $14 DON FITES WITH FIRST FEMALE STUDENT BETHANY CLAY
to $17 an hour,” explained Career and Internship Manager
Fites played a key role in developing the public-private sector
Elda Hernandez of The Immokalee Foundation. “Then
collaboration that raised money to create the program. That
the students return to complete the second year and earn
partnership included the Caterpillar Foundation, Fites Family
their Automotive Service Excellence certifications. Once
Charitable Trust, Kelly Foundation Inc., Kelly Tractor and Collier
completed, job offers are usually $22 an hour or higher.”
County School District.
Clay interned with U.S. Sugar, where she worked on the
TIF’s two-year HEM program includes practical experience
harvesters, rebuilt a water pump, changed out belts, replaced
in engine operation, rebuilding diesel engines, hydraulic system
an elevator chain and rebuilt hydraulic pumps.
testing, heavy equipment fleet maintenance and rebuilding
Emily Trevino recently finished her first year in the
transmissions, along with specialized skills in electronics, such as
HEM program. She took aptitude tests that showed her
the use of manufacturers’ diagnostic tools.
she was good at mechanics. So
HEM offers students who aren’t bound for college the training
she took a tour, was impressed
for a well-paying job that is in demand.
and enrolled.
GUADALUPE (EMILY) TREVINO shocked, she said with a laugh. said Hernandez.
“There is a waiting list because many students realize there is
Her parents were a bit
a huge call for knowledgeable heavy equipment service techs,”
“But they knew I could do it.
The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education
Because of the way I grew up – on
programs that focus on building pathways to success through
a farm.
college and post-secondary preparation and support, mentoring
“My brother was always trying
and tutoring, opportunities for broadening experiences, and life
to teach me mechanics, but I
skills development leading to economic independence. To learn
never took it seriously. And then I took the test and scored
more about The Immokalee Foundation, including volunteering,
really high. He said, ‘See, that’s what you’re good at.’”
becoming a mentor, making a donation or any other information,
Sometimes she feels as though she has to convince her
call 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
classmates, who are all male. But the teachers “don’t treat us
any different,” Trevino said.
The Immokalee Foundation launched the Heavy
Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation, can
Equipment Mechanics program in the fall of 2010, under
be reached at steven.kissinger@immokaleefoundation.org.
the guidance of Don Fites, former CEO of Caterpillar Inc.
68 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017