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Schools

Whiz Kid: Sean Haley

Eastern's Sean Haley is a student with a future career that's on the move.

Sean Haley always had a passion for automobiles. Now, he is turning his passion into a career.

“I always liked cars,” said Haley. “It never really got to me until my sophomore year. I always wanted to do something electrical, and now I want to do something with cars.”

Haley has found a way to get a head start on his future profession. 

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The senior is a Collision Repair Technology student at (Eastern). Eastern has allowed Haley to learn more about automobiles both in the classroom and with actual hands-on training.

Haley followed a somewhat different path than his brothers.

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“My brother went (to Eastern) when I was younger,” Haley said.  “He graduated in 2006, and he did electrical.  My other brother graduated in 2008 in electrical.  I always wanted to go into electrical, but didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing. I knew I wanted to go there, but I didn’t know what I was going to do until later.”

Thanks to the program at Eastern, Haley received a paid internship at Bryner Chevrolet in Jenkintown. He is able to use his work at Bryner as his class time for Eastern three days a week. 

“That’s a really good experience,” Haley said.  “It’s an awesome atmosphere to work in.  Everybody helps out everywhere, so it’s really nice.”

Haley is gaining other advantages with his work at Eastern, as well.

“I’ve been at a tech school working hard,” said Haley.  “I’ve already been able to grow up a lot, and it’s all because of that school.”

Haley won first place in the local competition for body work last winter, but one of his most fulfilling projects came in June. Haley and six other Eastern students restored a military truck, which would eventually be used by the Marines for their Toys for Tots drive.

“They gave us a nice little diploma after we finished the Marine truck,” Haley said.  “That was their way of saying thank you.  We worked on the benches in the back, which was tough, but we finished it really quick.  The harder you work just helps you out in the long run.”

In addition to his work at Eastern, Haley is keeping busy with his studies at Upper Moreland. He also played football for the Golden Bears in the fall. However, Haley is able to balance his schedule successfully.

“My schedule is busy,” said Haley.  “I pretty much do all of my work on time.  It doesn’t add any more pressure.  I’m just a bit more tired at the end of the day.”

Haley has always had a supportive family, despite his decision to find a different career path.

“Everything is dangerous in the field,” said Haley.  “My dad always tells me to wear my respirator and gloves. He wishes me the best.

"I’m glad this is what I picked. I like working with my hands and putting in 40 hours a week.”

With the support of loved ones, hard work and a wealth of experience at Eastern, Haley will be well-prepared for the working world.

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