Did you know what you wanted to do with your life when you were a high school student? For many of us, that was a tough question to answer—even well into adulthood!
Peyton Anadale-Rodriguez was one of those students who struggled to answer the question—he just knew that a four-year college wasn’t it. So when he heard about an internship opportunity during his sophomore year at The Academy of Charter Schools, he took a chance. The placement was at Stang Auto Tech, a family-owned auto repair shop known for integrity, craftsmanship and deep community ties.
“I didn’t know anything about cars when I started, and I wasn’t interested in the automotive industry. But it was paid, so my mom encouraged me to take it,” he laughed. He cleaned out sump pumps on his first day. “It was miserable,” he laughed. But he stuck with it, and three years later, he’s still with Stang.
Peyton's unexpected path reflects a broader shift happening in education and the skilled trades. At the time, The Academy was one of the few schools actively promoting skilled trades for students not headed to a four-year college. Pioneered by Timothy Fifer, the internship program addressed the needs of these teenagers by providing hands-on opportunities in different industries. Soon, schools like Jefferson Academy and the Boulder Valley School District followed suit.
Robert Blaes, CEO of Stang Auto Tech, struggled to find a mechanic apprentice in 2022, so he shifted his approach. He partnered with The Academy and later with Front Range Community College (FCC) to offer something different at Stang—an internship program designed to teach life skills applicable to any career path.
“We turned our efforts toward helping Gen Z high school students develop critical career skills—such as spatial awareness, responsibility, task prioritization, working autonomously, strengthening their thought processes and critical thinking, problem solving, pride in craftsmanship, and a servant attitude,” Robert explained. “These are skills that apply to any career.”
FCC provides instructor-led classroom and lab training, and by working closely with Brian, a mentor at Stang, apprentices learn how to apply that knowledge in a real-world environment, connecting theory with hands-on automotive work. With support from George Arrants at the ASE Education Foundation, the program became a registered apprenticeship through the Department of Labor and is now recognized as an Emerging Apprenticeship by the state. Chris Heuston, Sheena Martin and others at FCC played a key role in building a program that offers real, tangible value.
The results are evident in both the shop and the students. Interns and apprentices not only build confidence and gain professional experience—they also contribute meaningfully to daily operations and the community. Their presence has had a lasting, positive effect on team morale and productivity.
Peyton was the first intern, starting as a facilities assistant. His responsibilities grew alongside his life skills. By his senior year, he worked before and after school, and cleaned the shop on Friday nights. After he got his driver’s license, he began staging cars for technicians and shuttling customers.
Now a full-time employee and a trusted part of the shop’s daily rhythm, he supports mechanics, manages equipment and mentors new interns. Although Peyton doesn’t plan to stay in the automotive industry—he’s now taking his general education classes at FCC and pursuing licenses in mortgage and life insurance— he credits the internship with giving him direction. “I’ve learned how to talk to customers and work as a team. And I love cars now!” Peyton added.
Serving the community is a core value at Stang, and they give back through programs like free oil services to single moms and homeless families in partnership with The Refuge. Raised by a single mother, this event is important to Peyton, and it’s meaningful for all who volunteer their time.
While Peyton is the longest-serving official intern, others like Kael, Will and Mason—now apprentices—have also demonstrated tremendous growth as team members. Current interns like Ricky, Arthur, Wade, Beck and Gavin also contribute meaningfully to the shop’s mission and success.
Robert speaks highly of the program and the young people. “Their servant attitudes and eagerness to learn have made technicians and advisors more efficient—they’ve witnessed these kids’ growth and willingness to learn, which is an invaluable boost as the industry faces a growing demand and shrinking pool of qualified technicians.”
And for students like Peyton, having the chance to explore what they don’t want to do has been just as important as discovering who they truly are.