MEET THE PRO: Judea Parks, Automotive Technician

Jacob Slaton

"Being able to start in the workforce career-wise at a younger age is great," Judea said. "Blue-collar work, once you become good at what you do, will not let you down."

Hometown: The Bronx, New York

Age: 21

Where I Trained: National Park College

What I Earned: Associate degree in automotive technology

Job Title: Tire and Lube Technician

Employer: Gregg Orr Toyota

Judea was a self-proclaimed "tomboy" as a child. Growing up with an older brother, she always wanted to tag along with him on his adventures and play with his toys. She enjoyed cars, trucks and construction equipment, and decided to pursue a career in automotive maintenance by the time she was 17.

Judea earned an associate degree from National Park College in Hot Springs and was recruited by Toyota while still in school. She loved the advantage her degree gave her. She can avoid internships and instead jump straight into a high-demand career at a young age.

“Being a female technician is not as hard as many make it out to be,” Judea said. “Yes, there is a bit of heavy lifting, but nothing too strenuous.”

Since starting her career, Judea has ample free time. She has avoided the burden of student loan debt and entered the workforce with enough time to become a master at her trade. She encourages young professionals to put in the work early, because they have the potential to bring in six figures.

Jacob Slaton

WHAT DOES A AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN DO?

An automotive technician inspects, maintains and repairs cars and light trucks.

Education needed:

A high school diploma or GED is required, along with further training to qualify. Completing a vocational or postsecondary education program is considered the best preparation for entry-level work. Some automotive technicians pursue associate degrees.

Job Outlook

► 9% projected job growth in Arkansas by 2028

► 170 annual projected job openings in Arkansas

This option is for you if

You're detail-oriented
You're a good listener
You have steady hands
You're a strong communicator
You like solving problems

High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$59,980

Median wages in Arkansas
$45,750 Annual
$19.08 Hourly

START YOUR TRAINING

Arkansas State University Three Rivers
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
East Arkansas Community College
National Park College
University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

Source: bls.gov

MEET THE PRO: Judea Parks, Automotive Technician