For Isaac Epp ‘23, there has always been something special about a stick shift. Always something exciting about an engine. Always something appealing about the automotive industry.
It all started with his dad and a 1970 Volkswagen bus. Epp’s dad bought the classic vehicle as a solo project, but working on it soon became an activity for both of them.
“Ever since I was a little kid, my dad has taught me how to work on cars,” Epp said. “Being able to turn a wrench and work on the bus with my dad as a father-son project really just became something special.”
Epp appreciates the time he gets to spend working on cars with his dad. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day for them to be together doing the thing they love.
“For a while, he was always busy at work,” Epp said. “We had to leave the bus to sit unused for two years. One of the best things ever was being able to get it back out and drive it with him.”
With his dad guiding him through the world of motors and engines, Epp has slowly figured out he wants cars to be in his future.
“I’ve always had an interest in fixing them up, and I think it would be awesome to be able to pursue it as a career,” Epp said.
After exploring possible career options and taking the Automotive Service class at Boulder TEC, Epp found more options and opportunities to pursue.
“I want to go to a trade school,” Epp said. “It’s my ideal school environment. I get to learn what I want in a way I want.”
Epp hadn’t planned on going to a trade school until he started at Boulder TEC.
“At first I didn’t really know much about trade schools,” he said. “When I started going to Boulder TEC, I learned more about them and I began to get into the idea of going to one.”
The trade industry lacks workers and often gets little attention, meaning there is always a demand for workers and no shortage of jobs. According to Staffing Industry Analysis, in September 2021, 35% of all trades are understaffed globally.
“The area of the trade industry that I’m going into will always need someone,” Epp said. “People will never stop looking for a mechanic.”
Epp’s goal is to get his certifications and go to trade school, and for him, it’s a straightforward feat.