Garrett College Alumni
Eliza Wilhelm
Diesel mechanic graduate credits available resources at GC for her success
Northern Garrett High School senior Eliza Wilhelm jumped (literally) at the opportunity to enroll in Garrett College's diesel mechanic program during her senior year.
"I had been looking to enroll in a diesel program after graduation from high school," stated Wilhelm. "When the opportunity came up to take it locally and during my senior year, I jumped at it."
Having successfully completed the program, Eliza is among the first group of graduates in the program.
Offered through Continuing Education and Workforce Development, the diesel mechanic program is the latest career training program available through Garrett College.
"Having grown up around the diesel mechanic industry, I always knew I wanted to further my education in this field," stated Wilhelm. "Garrett gave me the opportunity to do this during my senior year and I was able to take advantage of the Garrett County Scholarship Program as a high school dual enrolled student."
A collaborative partnership between Garrett College and Garrett County Public Schools, the High School Dual Enrollment program provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credits at Garrett College while in high school.
The cost of tuition and combined fees for dual-enrolled students are also covered under the Garrett County Scholarship Program.
Having completed the diesel mechanic program, Wilhelm holds an entry-level ASE Certification in Medium and Heavy-Duty Inspection, Maintenance & Minor Repair and is employed as a diesel technician for Timbercat Enterprises, LLC.
"The program was great and I learned a lot in the class," she remarked. "I learned about brake adjustments, torque specifications, and clutch adjustments, just to name a few things. Mr. Vansickle, the program instructor, was very knowledgeable."
Eliza aspires to own and operate her own business one day, Shemokin Diesel, LLC.
To learn more about creating a successful business plan for her business, she participated in the All-in Business Plan Competition and Power of Possibilities conference, also offered through the College's Continuing Education & Workforce Development division.
"I always knew I wanted to have my own business after I graduate," added Wilhelm. "The Power of Possibilities Business Plan Competition has really opened my eyes to what all goes into starting a business."
Wilhelm was crowned the winner of this year's competition, earning the top cash award of $1,000 to use towards making her new business a reality.
She believes GC offers many benefits to students and the community.
"Garrett College offers many scholarships for students to make obtaining further education possible," Wilhelm noted. "The high school dual enrollment program helps students earn their degree quicker, and Continuing Education and Workforce Development division provides programs for all types of interests."
As for Eliza, she plans to utilize a combination of online and in-person trainings to stay on top of new trends and technologies in the diesel industry.
"You never stop learning in this field of work," she added. "There are always new things to learn."
