BEDFORD- Kenny Turner’s collision repair class offers hands-on experience in automotive repair. Students learn bodywork techniques, paint application, and dent removal. Through practical projects, they develop skills in repairing vehicles damaged in collisions. Mr. Turner’s guidance fosters a passion for precision and craftsmanship, preparing students for careers in the automotive industry.
Mr. Turner graduated from Medora High School in 1988 which included two years at the Career Center in John McClane’s autobody class. Out of high school, Mr. Turner went to work in the field of collision repair until a call from his former teacher brought him home to the Career Center as an assistant before taking the program over totally in 1999.
Collision Repair is a two year program where the students begin with the most basic techniques and eventually move on to work on actual customer vehicles. “I run this as close to an actual body shop as possible.”, Mr. Turner said. He believes that real-world, hands-on experience is critical. The customer vehicles ranged anywhere from a vintage British sports car to muscled-up American pickups. They did all have one thing in common: the time and effort these students and Mr. Turner have put into them to make them ready for their customers.
“I love seeing the kids evolve,” Mr. Turner said, “from this being a class they just took because they needed to fill time to being a real interest of theirs.” The relationships built and skills learned in the class last a lifetime. If students wish to continue on to post-secondary education, the Collision Repair program offers 14 dual credits upon completion.
Whether in the classroom or on the shop floor, Kenny Turner is putting in the time and effort to ensure his kids are getting the most out of their experience at the Career Center. His passion for teaching, and his expertise on the subject matter are apparent, and after 27 years on the job, what Mr. Turner says is still the most enjoyable,”the relationships you build with these kids, and the moment you see that they realize they are good at this really makes it special.”
