Winston Thomas – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Holds Pinning Ceremony for Automotive Technician Students

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:48:02 +0000

held a pinning ceremony on Aug. 1 for students in the Automotive Technician program. The event recognized the hard work the students have put into their studies and served as motivation to those who recently started the program. Instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas also received pins to recognize their work teaching the students. Everyone brought food for a potluck lunch.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Student Will Start Automotive Career in Newark

Michelle Lang — Mon, 05 May 2025 14:08:18 +0000

It’s somewhat rare to see a female fixing a vehicle, but student Eula Juanita Lovett hopes that is changing. She will complete the Automotive Technician program at NCCTI in May and already has a full-time job lined up at in Newark.

Lovett is particularly excited about her job because the auto repair shop is in Newark, where she lives, and is co-owned by a woman. Hilda Mera owns S&A Auto Center with her husband and has requested to be connected with female NCCTI students in the Automotive Technician program.

“For me, it is very important to hire women,” Mera said.

In addition to hiring female technicians to work on vehicles, Mera exposes them to the administrative side of the business should they want to pursue positions as managers or owners. Lovett is interested in furthering her career in the automotive field beyond the technician level, so she’s excited to learn more about leadership opportunities, especially from a female perspective.

Lovett also wants to be an honest mechanic that customers trust.

“I want to help women understand their cars better and keep up with maintenance so they’re not going to get scammed,” she said.

Lovett decided to pursue a career in the automotive industry because of the connection she developed with cars through her brother, who passed away two years ago. The pair bonded over video games, and the first one that they played together was the racing game Need for Speed. Her brother also gave her driving lessons and helped her pass her road test on the first try.

The independence that comes with being able to drive has always been important to Lovett as well.

“It’s freedom to be able to get to where you need to go, when you have to go,” she said.

Lovett lives close to NCCTI’s main campus and saw the school’s sign when she was walking to the corner store. She saw the program offerings and liked the idea that community was in the name since she is very connected to Newark. She spoke with NCCTI Admissions Representative Aziza Johnson and decided to enroll in the Automotive Technician program. She started in July.

Her experience at NCCTI has been positive. She has learned a lot and says instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas have built an environment that promotes learning.

“They create this space where you can make mistakes, ask for help and correct it,” she said. “And now I have the tools that I need to prevent that next time.”

Lovett also said the hands-on aspect of the training is incredibly valuable in preparing students for the real world.

“I can read about cars all day, but until I actually pop the hood, put it on a lift and see what’s wrong, it doesn’t mean anything,” she said.

Being part of the Automotive Technician class has had its challenges, with Lovett facing some doubts and fears along the way. But she’s grateful for the opportunity and knows the experience will make her stronger and she will have a career she enjoys.

“Women deserve to be in this program,” Lovett said. “I just want this school to keep encouraging more women to sign up and give more women autonomy in any field that they choose.”

Mera agrees and hopes to continue working with NCCTI to give women opportunities in the automotive field.

“I love what the school is doing with the young generation, or whoever wants to learn this trade,” she said. “Especially because they’re empowering young ladies that want to pursue this career.”

NCCTI Director Miguel Pacheco said the school is committed to helping all students realize their career goals.

“We enroll students in their program of choice and work to educate them and prepare them for a career in that field,” he said. “We’re so pleased to have employer partners like S&A Auto Center that are looking to not just employ our students but mentor them and help them navigate the next steps in their career.”

Lovett appreciates the staff at NCCTI and recommends the school to everyone she meets who might be interested in automotive and health care training. She also said if she has children and they’re looking for those types of programs, she will sign them up at NCCTI.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician. For more information, call 973-824-6484, email nccti@newcommunity.org, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

91��Ƭ Helps Young Woman Achieve Dream of Automotive Career

Michelle Lang — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:07:00 +0000

Maa Efia Nyarkoa Ampiaw has always been interested in cars and decided she wanted to become a professional technician. The road to that career path has taken some time, but thanks to 91��Ƭ and her hard work, she has achieved her goal.

Ampiaw first came to the United States from Ghana in August 2017. She moved to Newark with her grandfather and enrolled in 91��Ƭ’s Adult Learning Center. After successfully completing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Levels 1 and 2 and the High School Equivalency (HSE) course, she enrolled in the Diesel Technician program at 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI), where she learned the skills necessary to become both a diesel and automotive technician.

She graduated from the program in March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold on the area. Despite that challenge, Ampiaw began her job search and didn’t give up. Her persistence paid off. Staff at NCCTI helped arrange an interview with Bridgestone-Firestone and she was hired as an automotive technician at the Linden location in January 2021.

“Maa Efia is a very hardworking and determined young lady who epitomizes what 91��Ƭ can provide through our organizational comprehensive services,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “She earned her high school diploma through our Adult Learning Center, received excellent vocational skills training through our Diesel Technician program and was able to connect to a nice job opportunity with Bridgestone-Firestone Automotive Repair Center to start her career in the automotive and diesel industry.”

In her role, Ampiaw has a variety of responsibilities, including fixing tires and performing oil changes. She enjoys the work and the atmosphere at her job.

“If you don’t understand something, they are there to help and you learn more,” she said. “Everybody helps each other.”

Staff members at Bridgestone-Firestone are happy to have her on board.

“Maa has been a wonderful addition to our team here at Firestone in Linden, N.J. She has a terrific attitude which makes it easy to work with her,” said Store Manager Shane Allen. “Maa is dependable, punctual and very eager to learn, all attributes which will bring her success now and throughout her career in the automotive industry.”

The world of professional technicians is dominated by men, but that hasn’t stopped Ampiaw from pursuing her dream. She is the only female at her current job, but she hopes more women enter the field if they are passionate about it.

“Sometimes it’s tough because everywhere you look, there are guys,” she said. “I pray that it will change. When I was at NCCTI, there were four females. I had three in my class and one in the auto class.”

Ampiaw’s advice for others is for them to follow their dreams and work hard.

“Whatever you’re doing, give it 100 percent,” she said.

She has followed her own advice. Maureen Cooper was her instructor at the Adult Learning Center, teaching an all-inclusive HSE class, and knew Ampiaw could accomplish her goals.

“Maa Efia entered my classroom with a friendly smile and a whisper but by the end of the class session, she was a strong positive force,” Cooper said. “When she returned for the second session, she was on a mission; get her HSE Diploma, get a skill and get a good-paying job. It was never a question of if, just when.”

Brutton believes that this is the first step in what will be a successful career for Ampiaw, citing her work ethic and mechanical skills that she learned from NCCTI instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas.

“The opportunity at Bridgestone-Firestone is just the beginning of Maa Efia’s long-term career in the automotive repair industry,” Brutton said. “She’s destined for greatness.”

Ampiaw is grateful for the education she received at both the Adult Learning Center and NCCTI. She also took advantage of 91��Ƭ’s Financial Opportunity Center where Financial Coach Tamara Brown helped her set and achieve financial goals. Ampiaw recommends 91��Ƭ programs and services to others.

“I really thank them for helping me achieve my dream,” she said. “And they’re still there for me no matter the circumstances.”

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Community Healthcare Worker, Culinary Arts Specialist and Business and Computer Technologies. NCCTI also operates a comprehensive Financial Opportunity Center and Bridges to Career Opportunities Program sponsored by the local and national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offices. For more information, call 973-824-6484, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

The Adult Learning Center serves students 16 and older and out of the school system with a comprehensive array of day, evening and Saturday educational programs in order to prepare them for a vocational or college education. For more information, call 973-558-5536 or visit newcommunity.org. The school is located at 563 Orange St., Newark, but classes are currently being conducted via Google Meet because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

NCCTI Automotive Technician Graduate Furthers Career At Volvo Dealership

Michelle Lang — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:32:16 +0000

Jalen Thompson graduated from the 91��Ƭ Career and Technical Institute Automotive Technician program in 2017. He has been working at Smythe Volvo in Summit for two and a half years. Photo courtesy of Jalen Thompson.

Jalen Thompson turned his love of cars into a career thanks, in part, to 91��Ƭ Career and Technical Institute (NCCTI). The Automotive Technician program provided him with the skills he needed to secure a job as a car technician at Smythe Volvo in Summit.
Thompson completed the Automotive Technician training program in 2017. He worked for Advance Auto Parts before gaining the necessary knowledge to become a technician at a dealership.
The classroom instruction paired with the hands-on training portion of the Automotive Technician curriculum prepared Thompson for his current job, which he has held for two and a half years.
“The instructors that we had were really good. They knew what they were doing,” Thompson said. “Mr. Winston [Thomas] had a ton of experience and he knew about almost every car. The instructors definitely help you know about the basic theory of cars.”
Although Thompson was nervous about starting a job at a dealership, he said the training he received prepared him well.
“I don’t think I would have been able to do it without going to that program,” he said.
Thompson stood out to NCCTI staff members.
“Jalen is a well spoken and well prepared young man who took advantage of an opportunity that was presented with Volvo,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “He had good attendance, good practical hands-on skills and was destined to be a very good automotive technician.”
Lead Automotive Technician Instructor John Zaccheus said Thompson was focused and knew the material.
“He was a very good student,” Zaccheus said. “He came to school every day and he liked to play a leadership role when the other students needed help in class.”
In addition to providing theory and hands-on instruction in various areas of study, NCCTI offers job placement assistance, which Thompson said is important.
“If you don’t have the experience, it’s hard for somebody to take your word for how you work on cars,” he said.
Since completing the Automotive Technician program, Thompson has recommended NCCTI to those who are interested in furthering their careers through training, including his girlfriend who enrolled in a health care program after his suggestion.
“It’s definitely a helpful program,” Thompson said. “I want to thank all the instructors and staff members that helped me along the way.”
NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institute that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Culinary Arts Specialist and Business and Computer Technologies. Those interested in enrolling should call 973-824-6484 or . The school is located at 274 South Orange Ave., Newark, with the Training Center that houses Automotive, Diesel and Building Trades programs located at 210 West Bigelow St., Newark.

Launching Careers For 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center Automotive Students

Michelle Lang — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 19:53:56 +0000

When students complete the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center Automotive Technician program, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, the goal is to find a job. Strong employer partnerships help link graduates to employment opportunities and make the program more beneficial.

One strong and lasting partnership is with Rich Liebler, Chief Administrative Officer and Veteran Coordinator for Sansone Auto Group. Liebler helped start NCC’s Automotive Technician program in 1996.

“I was friends with Edsel Ford, the great grandson of Henry Ford. I represented all the Ford dealers in the United States. And I got together with him and said that we need to do more in the urban areas for helping at-risk youth and plus we need technicians and employees for the automobile business,” Liebler said.

Ford Motor Company and Liebler put together funding and came to 91��Ƭ with a proposal to start an automotive training program. Twenty-two years later, the program is still going strong.

In 1996, Liebler owned Hillside Auto Mall. He sold that dealership in 2008 and later was recruited by Sansone Auto Group, where he started working in 2010. Throughout the changes over 22 years, Liebler remained involved in the automotive training program at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center.

“I love working with 91��Ƭ because there’s genuine interest there,” he said.

In his current role at Sansone Auto Group, Liebler helps connect graduates to open positions. He is also working to institute a program with Sansone that allows students to work part-time during the week and on Saturdays while enrolled so that they have income and are more easily able to complete the training.

91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center Director Rodney Brutton said he is grateful for the partnership with Liebler and Sansone Auto Group.

“Rich’s history with our program and ongoing advocacy for our students should be applauded,” Brutton said. “Thanks to employer partners like Rich, Sansone and others, 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center’s automotive training program, sponsored by Ford, has been able to maintain its status for over 20 years.”

One of the graduates who has a job with Sansone Auto Group is Noah Deverel. He is 20 years old and completed the Automotive Technician program in 2017. He currently works at a Hyundai dealership doing pre-delivery inspections on new vehicles.

Deverel has always been interested in cars and wanted to learn how to fix them. He was part of Newark Deputy Mayor of Employment Rahaman Muhammad’s mentoring program and that’s how he became a student at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center.

“We appreciate the deputy mayor’s office referring quality young men like Noah to our programs,” Brutton said. “Noah was ready to work and committed to completing the program. He knew what his career goals were.”

Deverel felt prepared for his work after receiving the training.

“Mr. Z [John Zaccheus, Lead Automotive Technician Instructor,] and Winston [Thomas, Automotive Technician Instructor,] are very, very good teachers. They never let me down. They stayed with me 100 percent of the way,” Deverel said. “You just have to trust the process and they’re going to help you. Everybody is very supportive.”

Liebler said Deverel is making progress in his career and as an automotive technician has the potential to earn $50,000 in five years.

Deverel has high aspirations.

“My overall goal is to be a head tech somewhere,” he said.

Brutton said Deverel is on his way to achieving that goal.

“We’re proud of Noah’s growth and the entire staff sees a wealth of potential in his future as an automotive technician,” Brutton said.

Those interested in enrolling in any 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center program should fill out an intake form at www.newcommunity.org, call 973-824-6284 or visit the main offices at 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.