Midland ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) auto tech program, which provides dual credit through Midland College, has several students working to complete the certification.
The T-TEN program develops factory-certified technicians for Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Students receive professional training and hands-on experience in diagnosing and repairing advanced vehicles, and the opportunity to earn certifications, including the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification and Toyota Certified Technician credentials. Through this partnership, students gain real-world experience by interning at Toyota and Lexus dealerships giving them a head start in a high-demand career field.
Upon completing her T-TEN certification, Patman has already secured a job offer as a technician at Lithia Toyota in Odessa. She also plans to further her education by earning an associate degree in Applied Science from Midland College while continuing to develop her automotive expertise.
Patman's passion for cars stems from her background in racing, and she has embraced every opportunity to expand her technical knowledge.
"I've always loved working on cars and this program has given me the skills and confidence to turn that passion into a career," she said. "I enjoy the hands-on work, whether it's diagnostics or oil changes, and I'm excited about what's ahead."
Patman credits her success to her instructor, Norman Cremeans, whose guidance and teaching style have made a significant impact. "I'm glad he's my teacher," she said. "He explains things in a way high schoolers can understand."
With several other students on track to complete their T-TEN certification by the end of the year, this partnership between Midland ISD, Midland College, and Toyota is jump starting opportunities for future automotive technicians. The demand for qualified professionals in the automotive industry continues to grow and this program ensures that Midland ISD students are well-prepared and career-ready upon graduation.
©2025 the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
