Eastern Alumni Spotlight: Joe Washington

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology () 2008 Collision Repair Technology/Abington High School graduate, Joe Washington, is currently employed as a Collision Repair Specialist at Syrena Collision Center, Inc. in Montgomeryville.

Syrena Collision Center spans 12,000 square feet and consists of two down-draft paint booths, two Chief EZ Liner frame correction machines, four paint prep stations, and plenty of room to work on every make and model of car. Prior to Syrena Collision Center, Washington was employed at Sussman Honda in Willow Grove.

Washington has always been interested in cars; however, he did not necessarily want to be a mechanic.

He was interested in the aesthetics of vehicles such as dent removal and painting. When he was in eighth grade, he attended EASTERN’s Automotive and Collision Repair Summer Fun program for middle school students.

It was during Summer Fun that Washington decided that he would attend EASTERN for Collision Repair Technology in 11th and 12th grades. At EASTERN, Washington was an ‘A’ student, and a leader in his class. He found a career path he enjoyed and he thrived in the program.

“This year I came back to EASTERN to speak with the students,” said Washington. “My best advice to them is to pay attention and work hard in this program. If you do, you will learn everything you need to know in order secure a good job in this field. In the collision repair industry you will start off on small
projects, but you always have the opportunity to work your way up.”

Students in EASTERN’s Collision Repair Technology program benefit from a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience needed to carry out repairs on motor vehicles. Students benefit from use of the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) enhanced curriculum.

Career objectives in this program include Automotive Refinisher; Sheet Metal/Cosmetic Repair Person; Frame/Structural Repair Person; and Automotive Refinisher's Helper.

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EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career. The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org. Like Us? Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter.