This collision repair class gives students a chance to work on classic cars

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (InvestigateTV) - Trade schools are growing with a recent report showing between 2020 and 2023 an almost 5% growth in enrollment.

At South Tech High School in St. Louis, students in the collision repair class can explore this career path.

The MG Car Club donated a 1979 MGB Roadster to the school, giving students hands-on experience with a classic car most have never encountered.

Roger Douglas, chairman of the MG Car Club, said the donation aims to introduce young people to classic car restoration and preservation.

“We thought well if we could get some young kids interested in our cars, maybe it can shore up the future,” Douglas said.

The South Tech collision repair class is a hands-on program for high school juniors and seniors to explore automotive careers.

Ken, an instructor at the program, said students use the facility to test whether they want to pursue careers in automotive technology, machine shop work or other technical fields.

“Students get a chance to come here and test out the industry if they wanna learn machine shop or they wanna be a vet tech or an automotive tech or anything like that, they get a chance to come here and try it in their junior and senior year,” Ken said.

For many students, the 1979 roadster presented unfamiliar technology. Douglas said when the car was delivered, students were puzzled by features common to cars of that era.

“One of the kids got in the car when we delivered it and goes what are these? It was the vent window,” Douglas said. “The other guy goes, what’s this on the door here? Well, that rolls up the windows. There’s no buttons.”

Ken said exposure to older vehicles can spark student interest in automotive restoration.

“If this can get students interested in something old and different, they may like that,” Ken said.

Students said they were eager to work on the unfamiliar vehicle.

“We usually don’t see these on the road,” said Ali, a student in the program.

Another student said he was excited to disassemble and reassemble parts of the classic car.

Douglas, who drives a 1973 MG, said the donation benefits both the club and the students.

“I think it’s a really good thing to shore up our cars staying on the road,” Douglas said.

Student Ty said the program allows students to pursue their interests while learning.

“You come in here in the morning, work on cars, do what you love,” Ty said.

Ken said student enthusiasm for the work improves their learning outcomes.

“They enjoy the work and that makes them enjoy their learning,” Ken said.