“I’ve always been interested in being a mechanic, and I knew Scarlet Oaks would get my foot in the door,” commented Zack Barnes, a graduate of Mason High School.  Zack completed the Automotive Technology program at Scarlet Oaks in 2003.  He did get his foot in the door at Kings Toyota during his senior year, where he remains employed today.  “I work on motors, routine maintenance, whatever they ask me to do—and I have a team to work with side-by-side with to get the job done.” 

Zack feels strongly that Scarlet Oaks provided him with a solid foundation.  “My instructors Dave Grubb and Leon Hubbard created real-life scenarios for us to troubleshoot—making us figure out for ourselves how to solve the problem at hand.” 

Zack knew his decision to attend Scarlet Oaks meant that he might have to leave old friends behind but, he shared, “I met a ton of new friends—and still hang out with them today.”  Zack encourages others to give Scarlet Oaks a try.  “Going to Scarlet gives you more knowledge about your field—so it’s easier to move forward from there,” he said.

Zack is currently working toward his ASE certification.