Erie 2‑Chautauqua‑Cattaraugus BOCES recently welcomed Ethan Reid, general manager of Falconer Powersports, into the Automotive Technology classroom at the Hewes Educational Center — giving senior Career & Technical Education students a real‑world preview of what awaits them in internships and future careers.
Reid, who has worked his way up from entry-level positions to his current management role, spent the afternoon conducting mock interviews with students, helping them practice responding to the kinds of questions they’ll face when entering the workforce.
During the one-on-one sessions, he asked students why they chose the Auto Tech program, where they hope to complete their internships, and even practical details, such as whether they have reliable transportation.
He also reviewed portfolios, certificates, and resumes, offering guidance on presenting skills and accomplishments effectively.
“Appearance matters, showing initiative matters, and asking questions matters,” Reid told students. He encouraged them not to fear mistakes, especially in automotive work, but to learn from them, take initiative, and communicate effectively with others.
Automotive Technology instructors Stephen Reed and Joseph Pitts coordinated the visit, reinforcing the value of direct engagement with industry professionals as students prepare to transition from the classroom to careers.
Students said the experience helped demystify the interview process and gave them insight into how to promote themselves.
Evan Jones, a senior from Chautauqua Lake, said the mock interview was an important learning opportunity. “It actually shows you how to do it before it could really matter,” he said.
Jones, who hopes to join the industry for a time after high school, said he wanted to gain skills in communication, making contact with employers, and promoting himself. He added that bringing his attendance records and certifications into the conversation would help. “I really appreciate him coming in and doing this,” he said.
Caden Emo of Jamestown said he wanted to get comfortable with interviews and learn how the process works in a professional setting. “It’s really important to sit down with someone in the industry and get a base on what questions I’ll have in the future,” he said.
Emo said he was curious about internship expectations, tool budgets, and training length, practical questions that Reid encouraged students to ask as they enter the workforce.
Zack Kinne of Falconer said he hoped the mock interview would teach him the right approach for future interviews and help him promote his skills.
“I want to know the right stuff to do and how to do it,” said Kinne, who aspires to become a Powersports technician.
He also said he wanted to improve eye contact, communication, and self-promotion during the interview process.
Jose Martinez, a 19-year-old adult student in the program at Hewes, said he valued the professional setting and the chance to practice soft skills. “I want to experience what a professional interview feels like,” he said. “Communication, making eye contact, and promoting yourself are key skills I hope to improve.”
Martinez also said he wanted to practice asking questions, a skill he considers critical in any job.
