Thinking about shifting your career into high gear? San Jacinto College’s Toyota Technician Training and Education Network program might be just the ticket.
At San Jac, you don’t just learn how to turn a wrench. You get hands-on experience with the cutting-edge technology that powers modern vehicles while building connections with local dealerships.
Just ask recent graduates Jayden Glassmeyer, Richard Harris, and Kirula Silva — students who found their passions and future careers through San Jac’s T-TEN program.
Jayden Glassmeyer
Jayden Glassmeyer
Jayden Glassmeyer’s journey to become an automotive technician is a great example of how community colleges provide direction and opportunity.
Glassmeyer came to San Jac through a Clear Falls High School college readiness program. With university acceptance challenging due to a lower GPA, he chose San Jac for its proximity and affordability.
“I originally went for a business degree,” he said. “Even though I was interested in working on cars, a business degree seemed more beneficial long-term.”
During his second year at the College, he learned from a program coordinator that he could pursue both paths simultaneously. In May, he graduated with associate degrees in business and automotive technology.
His choice of the T-TEN program stems from personal experience with his first car, a 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Since his internship last semester, Glassmeyer has worked at Sterling McCall Lexus and believes San Jac’s automotive program stands out for its technical depth.
“We learn the very nitty-gritty compared to others who didn’t go to T-TEN. It’s one thing to know how something works but another to know the principles it operates on,” Glassmeyer said.
With 10 Automotive Service Excellence-level certifications under his belt, he aims to bridge his technical expertise with his business knowledge.
“I still want to work on cars for a decent amount of time but eventually move into a corporate position that allows me to still be hands-on in the shop,” he said.
Richard Harris
Richard Harris
Richard Harris was initially drawn to San Jac with dreams of becoming a music teacher. He played cello and flute and performed in the color guard at Deer Park High School.
“Music was and is a huge part of my life,” he said. “It just didn’t work out for me after doing my research on the job market.”
This realization led to exploring real estate as an option that might suit his people-oriented personality. Yet something was still missing.
“Throughout all this and even during high school, I had my 2004 Corolla, and I learned how to do a lot of repairs on that,” he said. “I always enjoyed working on the car.”
A friend encouraged Harris to consider automotive work as a career path. At San Jac, he discovered the T-TEN program through an advisor and has enjoyed the San Jac experience.
“The in-classroom stuff has been absolutely amazing,” he said. “I have learned oodles of information.”
What does he enjoy the most about working on vehicles?
“My favorite part is the end when a car comes in with multiple problems. When the customer approves the repairs and you successfully fix everything, it’s a great feeling,” Harris said. “There’s nothing better than returning a car to its owner in good working condition again.”
With five ASE-level certifications completed, Harris looks forward to being in the shop, getting his hands dirty.
“I want to continue putting my hands on those wrenches and working on cars because it’s satisfying to me,” he said. “Every car is different. It’s always a new puzzle.”
Kirula Silva
Kirula Silva
Initially pursuing mechanical engineering at the University of Houston, Kirula Silva discovered that San Jac’s T-TEN program offered a more direct route to his lifelong passion.
“My end goal from the beginning was to work with cars. That was something that I’ve always been passionate about when I was younger,” he said.
For Silva, the transition to the T-TEN program felt natural.
“In my family, we have a lot of Toyota vehicles,” he said. “My uncle’s got an original 1989 Toyota pickup truck, first original owner. I have a very fond appreciation for Toyota and Lexus. T-TEN was just kind of a no-brainer for me. The hands-on nature of the program set it apart for me also.”
This practical experience has proven invaluable during his internship at Sterling McCall Lexus.
Already building his catalog of ASE-level certifications, this graduate is well-positioned for success. He plans to continue as a service technician while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business.
“I’ve had aspirations of opening my own shop, but I know that’s a long way away,” he said.
What drives his passion for automotive work?
“I think of it as just helping people out,” Silva said. “I also enjoy learning as I go and fixing new problems that I’ve never encountered before.”
San Jacinto College offers automotive technology degrees in several focus areas:
- Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET)
- Future Automotive Service Technicians (FAST) — a general automotive technology degree program
- General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
- Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT)
- MOPAR Career Automotive Program (CAP) — covers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat vehicles
- Toyota Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN)
Learn more about San Jac’s auto tech programs.
By Melissa Trevizo
