Courtesy Photo
Mabank CTE auto students Junior Joseph Vallejo (from left), Sophomore Michael Greenhaw and Sophomore Parker Armstrong work on an engine. 

MABANK–When it comes to preparing students for the world of work, Leonard Eason has a lot to brag about. Eason has been the Career and Technical Education (CTE) auto mechanics instructor at Mabank High School since 2004. In those years he has helped create a program that ensures students have every opportunity to enter the workforce with experience and certifications that will help them be successful.
To date, Eason can boast that his automotive program has helped students become gainfully employed or enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs, has aided more than one student in opening his or her own automotive business, has produced award winning post-secondary students, has created student partnerships with major companies and has fostered one of the youngest Porsche certified mechanics in the United States.
Eason’s goal for his automotive program has always been to ensure every student leaves with a quality education as well as an industry-based automotive certification. 
“Students have the opportunity to leave school with Automotive Service Excellence apprentice certification (all 10 components) and with just one year of work experience after graduation they can become master certified,” Eason explained.
Before the COVID pandemic, Eason began working with Tri-County Ford and Ford Motor Company to enhance his already successful program. Through Ford, students were able to train with a Ford dealership while in high school. This program, called ACE, is an entry-level program which allows students the opportunity to become a certified line technician through Ford. When students leave high school they continue to the next level at Ford called ASSET.
Currently Eason has had several students begin the Ford program and either continue on with Ford or have become mechanics for other companies. Recent graduate Cody Graham, is currently continuing his education with Ford at its Tri-County Ford Quick Lane location.
To up his game even further and offer more opportunities for students, Eason recently added a Briggs & Stratton certification to the Small Engine Repair course.
“We have been working on this for about four years,” Eason said. “I reached out to Briggs & Stratton to see about adding a Master Certification component to our program. Small engine repair goes hand-in-hand with what we learn in our automotive classes and most everybody has a lawnmower so this is an excellent opportunity to further enhance the students’ ability to become employed.”
Through Briggs & Stratton students must pass each area of instruction, which includes six modules, in order to become certified. After completing the modules, students must pass extensive testing.
Junior Andrew Wood was the first of Eason’s students to complete the Briggs & Stratton master service technician certification test. Furthermore, he continued the program and completed his specialized dealer certification exam. Eason said the process is difficult and that he is not aware of anyone else accomplishing this in high school.
“This is such a great addition to our automotive program,” MHS CTE Coordinator Shela Koskelin said. “It offers our kids another opportunity to earn additional industry credentials and prepares them for success in the workforce.”
With this kind of experience and certification, Wood can start his own business or seek employment with a Briggs & Stratton dealership.
Last May 16 students had taken and passed their master certification tests which meant they left high school with credit necessary to start their own business with Briggs & Stratton.
Students on the Automotive program of Study begin with an Intro to Automotive or Small Engine class, preferably as freshman where they are able to receive Career Safe and OSHA certifications. Students then advance into Energy & Power then Auto 1 and Auto 2 for their advanced certifications. 
“The great thing is that some of these guys aren’t sure they will even graduate,” Eason said. “Offering them these programs gives them confidence and hope. Now they are ready to go to work or become entrepreneurs.”