Meet The Pro: Elijah Skelton, Emergency Repair Automotive Technician
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Batesville
Age: 22
Where I Trained: Degree of proficiency in Mechatronics from University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
Job Title: Emergency Repair Automotive Technician
Employer: Emergency Repair of Arkansas
Elijah Skelton has enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together since he could first hold a screwdriver.
During high school, Elijah joined the robotics league at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, where he built a robot designed to perform tasks of varying complexity. This experience taught him new essential skills in electronics. Additionally, he completed training in welding and AutoCAD, a 2D and 3D computer-aided design software.
“[This] helped me build my engineering prowess [and] prepared me for the workforce,” he said.
Two years ago, Elijah was introduced to the world of automotive repair and offered an internship at Emergency Repair of Arkansas. At 22 years old, he’s working in a field where he can repair important automotive parts, fulfilling his lifelong passion.
“I enjoy working in an in-demand industry where the work is always there," he said. "I feel like I am making a difference in my state.
"With fire departments and ambulance services all over Arkansas, they need someone to make sure that they can reliably respond to and save lives during emergencies. I am that person.”
Although his daily duties differ depending on the vehicles brought into the shop, Elijah loves facing new challenges every day.
“The most difficult part of my job is the constant learning curve of all of the new vehicles and processes used in repairs,” Elijah said. “But the most rewarding part is the feeling you get when you know that each vehicle you repair will be used to save lives. That is a rewarding feeling.”
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
Postsecondary Certificate
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You're enrolled in Robotics class
- Your YouTube is filled with videos about cool cars, restorations and mechanics tutorials
- You like working on "project cars" or motorbikes (or wish you could!)
- You want a job that's always in-demand (no four-year degree required)
Related Jobs
Robotics Technicians
Associate Degree | $104,690 (U.S. High-End Salary)
Mechanical Drafters
Associate Degree | $72,070
Mechanical Engineering Technologists And Technicians
Associate Degree | $96,740
Job Demand
► Employment is projected to increase 2% by 2030; 540 annual projected openings.
► 5,460 Automotive Technicians are expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$65,380 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas
$40,290 Annual
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas National Guard
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- East Arkansas Community College
- Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI)
- Peak Innovation Center, Fort Smith Public Schools
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
WHERE TO WORK
- Arkansas National Guard
- Greenway Equipment
Sources: careeronestop.org
