Highlands College automotive technology program provides students with skills to launch new futures

For two students at Highlands College, the automotive technology program is not only the gateway to a successful, in-demand career, it’s a path that will allow them to build new futures.

For Cody West, enrolling at Highlands College was a huge commitment to a change in life trajectory. West, 32, is originally from Bozeman. As a young man, West’s life was impacted by substance misuse. Eventually the problem escalated to the point that he ended up in jail.

“I’m a convicted felon,” West said. “I spent 4-6 years of my life locked up. As a convicted felon, there’s not a lot of opportunities that open up for you.”

West got sober and worked in Anaconda as a bartender. He started dating a woman who changed his life.

“She said, ‘either you do more with your life, or I’m done,’” West remembers.

West had always been a bit of a backyard mechanic, and he was motivated by his girlfriend to enroll in college.

“The first semester I made the Honor Roll,” West said. “This semester I’m on track to make the Dean’s List or the Chancellor’s List.”

Earning top marks in the automotive technology program is a challenge.

“This program is in-depth and hands on,” West said.

Students gain a basic understanding of gas, diesel, and electric vehicle maintenance. In addition, they are expected to complete an apprenticeship. Anytime West is not in class, he’s apprenticing at a local business. He also received a $5,000 Ford Ace Scholarship to help pay his tuition and fees.

“Cody has been a valuable member of our automotive program,” instructor Jason Herndon said. “When he has completed his work he is right there helping the first year students.  Whenever we have a staff members vehicle that needs work, Cody is always there looking for more experience.  It has been my pleasure to educate Cody and see him grow.”

West says the girlfriend who inspired him is “super proud,” and has helped support him as he’s worked through the program. The pair plan to get married after West graduates in May 2025. He’s looking forward to the broad opportunities the automotive industry offers.

“Auto mechanics is such an expansive industry,” West said.

West’s classmate Jaiden Comes at Night plans to take advantage of the varied job opportunities after graduation in May. His goal is to get a heavy-duty diesel mechanic apprenticeship with Western States Cat, to be a mobile mechanic.

Comes at Night is from Heart Butte on the Blackfeet Reservation and enjoys traveling. When he graduated high school, he decided to leave the reservation and work for two years as a solar installation technician.

 “It’s a little different, growing up and leaving the reservation,” Comes at Night said. “A lot of people back home are so family oriented, it can be hard to leave.”

Comes at Night rose through the ranks of the solar company, but college was eventually on his brain. He got caught looking at colleges in the middle of a meeting.

Comes at Night says many of his family members have attended the University of Montana and Montana State University, which offer four-year programs in teaching, administration, and other professions that are in demand on the reservation.

“Not many consider the trades,” Comes at Night said.

He decided to blaze his own path and attend Highlands College. It was a good fit for his strengths and interests.

“I like the problem-solving aspect of automotive technology,” Comes at Night said.

His work with the solar company was put to good use in class.

“I already knew how to read wiring diagrams,” Comes at Night said. “It helps with the electrical side of everything.”

Comes at Night also has a job at a local Dodge dealership and says that while class, work, and homework are a lot to keep up with, it’s worth it because he’s going to enter the workforce with lots of hands-on experience and opportunities.

“This is one of the best programs in the state,” Comes at Night said.

And Comes at Night is one of the best students, Herndon said.

“Jaiden shines bright in the shop,” Herndon said. “He is always early knowing that if we are in the shop it normally means we are working on something cool and he wants to be part of it.  He is willing to take on tasks that is out of his comfort level just to prove to himself he has what it takes to be a modern technician in today’s world.  It has been my pleasure to watch Jaiden through his journey towards an awesome career and seeing him take the next step towards being a CAT equipment Technician.”