Scott Stephen has come a long way since his first days as an auto mechanic, when—as a 14-year-old—he took apart a car and rebuilt it from scratch. The Allan Hancock College graduate was recently named a national Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automotive Technician of the Year.
According to a biography from the college, Stephen received some of his first formal training as a student in the Hancock automotive technology program.
Since completing the program, Stephen has returned frequently to the college to take more certification tests. He also spends time mentoring young mechanics and guest lecturing in automotive technology courses at the college. Lastly, he serves on the accreditation committee for the National Auto Technicians Education Foundation, the organization that ensures that Allan Hancock College meets and exceeds standards required for an ASE test site.
“I think it’s important to never stop learning and trying to improve my skills,” Stephen said in a press release. “I encourage all mechanics to keep up their certifications as a way to set industry standards and show their commitment.”
Following his own advice, Stephen said in the release that he’s started taking general education classes at Allan Hancock College. His goal is to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree.
“It’s been strange taking general education classes again after so many years out of school, but I’m doing it so I can come back and teach here at Hancock,” he said in the release.
Stephen is currently a mechanic at Dave’s Automotive in Santa Maria. Prior to that, he owned his own auto shop for 24 years.
This article appears in Jul 9-16, 2009.