Building Futures, One Panel at a Time: The Autobody Program at Woodruff Career and Technical Center
If Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs ever took a detour to Morton, Illinois, he’d probably find himself elbow-deep in steel, paint, and elbow grease alongside Jackson Whitney—a 2023 graduate of the Peoria Public Schools’ Auto Body program at Woodruff Career and Technical Center. And he’d probably have a lot of fun, too.
Let’s get one thing straight: Jackson Whitney wasn’t a student aiming for “A’s”. In his own words, “I really didn’t like school. It really was never my thing.” But when he discovered the autobody program at Woodruff Career and Technical Center, Jackson found something that finally sparked his interest—and eventually, his career.
Not every student dreams of sitting through algebra or diagramming sentences. Some want to get their hands dirty, make things right, and see the results of their work drive off into the sunset (or at least into Morton’s rush hour). That’s where the Next Level Career Pathways shine—a place where students like Jackson Whitney find their spark, and where the future of the auto body industry is being rebuilt, one panel at a time.
Hands-On Learning That Sparks a Career
Enter Mr. Schuster, the kind of teacher every hands-on learner dreams of. “He was a really big influence on me. He’s probably one reason why I’m still in it,” Jackson admits. Under Schuster’s mentorship, Jackson learned to weld—on thin metal, no less (“If you can weld thin, you can weld thick,” says Jackson, now a welding sage in his own right). He also got to play with paint, metal, and, in one particularly memorable class project, created a galaxy out of a 30x30 plate of steel, complete with planets from old paint cans. If that’s not kinetic learning, what is?
Perseverance Pays Off
Of course, every journey has its bumps. Jackson’s first job after graduation wasn’t ideal. “One of the worst shops I’ve ever been to. I was treated pretty badly,” he recalls. But perseverance—and a bit of stubbornness—paid off. After sticking with it and honing his craft, Jackson landed at Lighthouse Collision Center in Morton—a shop he describes as “the nicest I’ve ever been to.” Now, he’s not just patching up fenders—he’s a lead structural technician, making sure cars are safer after an accident than before.
Lighthouse Collision recognizes talent when they see it. Not only did they welcome this Peoria Public Schools grad, but they’re also investing in him—paying for his nationally recognized I-CAR training (he’s now pro level 2 and almost done with level 3).
High Demand, Bright Futures
Jackson is quick to point out the real upside of this career path: “There’s an extreme demand. It’s not hard to find a job in this industry.” According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of workers in the autobody repair industry is 42. With a significant proportion of technicians now in their 40s and 50s, the industry is clearly experiencing an aging trend. This shift not only highlights the wealth of experience in the field but also translates to high opportunity for new entrants, as employers look to fill the gaps left by an aging workforce.
Integrity, Innovation, and the New Face of Trades
Jackson’s co-worker, Riley Herman, an Estimator at Lighthouse Autobody, has seen the industry change—and he’s part of the reason it’s changing for the better. “You’re seeing more glamour coming to the trades as well. Where as before – it used to be looking down your nose at someone with a blue-collar job. Trades are being elevated in society now. I’ve seen that shift in the last 20 years.”
But it’s not just about image. It’s about integrity. Riley explains that every repair—whether cosmetic or structural—carries a legal and ethical responsibility. “We have integrity to uphold on the repairs, whether it’s as simple as a cosmetic or a structural issue. The legalities follow the vehicle when it's traded or sold.”
Advice for Future Technicians
Jackson’s advice to students who are more “wrench” than “textbook”? “Don’t knock it until you try it… The first step for anybody that wants to do this is you’re going to have to create a spark. The imagination to be able to create something. Think of something in your head and then be able to put it down on a piece of metal.” Modern repairs are an art and a science. Vehicles today are designed to crumple in a crash, absorbing energy to protect passengers. The job of a modern technician? To rebuild it so it reacts the same—or better—if lightning strikes twice. As cars evolve, so do the skills needed—meaning lifelong learning is built into the job.
Beyond Body Work: A World of Career Paths
Woodruff’s program is a foundation, not a ceiling. Students start with the basics, but the industry offers a buffet of specialties—some high-tech, some hands-on, all essential. Beyond the I-CAR certifications, Riley Herman recommends that students who are interested in advanced careers with NASCAR and Indycar look into associate and bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Northwestern Ohio for training in high-performance motorsports technology.
A Rewarding Path for the Next Generation
In Jackson’s words, “It's rewarding. You just, you gotta be hard-headed to keep doing this.” Sometimes, that’s exactly what our community needs.
So, here’s a shout-out to Lighthouse Collision Center for seeing the value in homegrown talent like Jackson and investing in the next generation of skilled workers. And here’s to the Next Level Career Pathways at Peoria Public Schools—for proving that whether your future is in books or bumpers, there’s a path (and a career) for you.
The Road Ahead
The Autobody program at Woodruff Career and Technical Center isn’t just about fixing dents—it’s about building futures. Whether you’re drawn to the techy side of ADAS(advanced driver assistance systems), the detective work of diagnostics, or the satisfaction of a perfect paintless dent repair, there’s a place for you in this evolving industry. And with mentors like Mr. Schuster, leaders like Jackson Whitney, and industry advocates like Riley Herman, the path from classroom to career has never looked brighter—or more respected.
Are you ready to take your education—and your future—to the next level? Learn more about Career Pathways at Peoria Public Schools and discover your spark.
www.PSD150.org/nextlevel
