John’s love of vehicles started early, working alongside his father. Today, as an Automotive Technology student at Hennepin Technical College’s Eden Prairie campus, he’s turning that interest into career skills and exploring what his future could hold.
“I wanted to get a diversified amount of experience,” John said of his decision to attend Hennepin Tech.
That desire for hands-on experience led John to a summer internship at DTI Powertrain (DynoTec), a transmission rebuilding shop in Shakopee. After an extensive vetting process and a Zoom call to coordinate the details, DTI Powertrain arranged an internship where John could put his classroom learning into practice.
Angie Bergquist supervised John during his internship and quickly saw his potential.
“My supervisor talked to me and asked if I was up to the challenge. I said, ‘Absolutely!’ without a second thought,” Bergquist recalled.
As a Deaf student, John communicates with the support of interpreters arranged through Hennepin Tech’s Access Services. Bergquist said adapting communication at the shop took some initial effort, but the experience was rewarding.
“The communication barrier was hard at first, but John’s interpreters were a great help. John is brilliant and caught on so quickly,” Bergquist said. “Working with John made us all stop and think about how we as people, and as a company, communicate.”
The internship allowed John to strengthen his technical skills in a real-world setting. It also marked an important step toward his career goals.
Finding that opportunity, however, took persistence. John’s instructor, Andy Thul, contacted six businesses in search of an internship before DTI Powertrain agreed to help.
“It was disheartening to keep hearing ‘no’ based on John’s need for accommodations,” Thul said.
Thul wanted to find a business that would prioritize John’s safety while providing meaningful skill development and an introduction to the workforce. He was looking for a place where John could be challenged, supported, and treated as a future automotive professional.
That opportunity paid off. During a recent class tour of DTI Powertrain, John demonstrated how to rebuild a 10R80 valve body, sharing what he had learned with his classmates. The demonstration gave them a firsthand look at the specialized work involved in transmission rebuilding—and how classroom instruction translates into industry skills.
Support That Opens Doors
Access Services is another important part of John’s experience at Hennepin Tech. The department works with students to identify and arrange accommodations that support their learning and help them work toward their educational and career goals.
During the current academic year, Hennepin Tech arranges accommodations for more than 350 students. Depending on individual needs, services may include American Sign Language interpreters, alternative formats for textbooks and classroom materials, adaptive software and equipment, notetakers, peer tutors and specialized advising.
Maggie Vyskocil, a disability specialist at Hennepin Tech, explained the purpose behind that work.
“Accommodations are meant to support students in reaching their goals. We work to create an individualized process to help them with what they need to be successful,” Vyskocil said.
John praised Access Services and his interpreters from LingoForce for helping him participate in his education and prepare for a career.
“Really, it’s gone very well. I haven’t had any issues with it. I’ve been enjoying it. It’s been a good experience,” he said.
Building a Future on His Own Terms
John plans to graduate in spring 2027 and enter the workforce. He’s also considering starting his own business rebuilding and selling cars. The possibility of choosing among different career paths is part of what excites him about the future.
His experience at Hennepin Tech has reinforced the value of learning by doing.
“The hands-on work, really getting to do the work, has made it really easy for me to pick it up,” John said. “If you’re interested in hands-on work, Hennepin Tech is a great fit for you!”
From working on vehicles with his father to training in a professional transmission shop, John is building the knowledge and confidence to take his next steps. With industry experience, dedicated instructors and individualized support, he’s preparing for a future shaped by his interests, skills, and ambitions.
About Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College is a public, two-year college serving students at its Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie campuses. The Automotive Technology program is part of Hennepin Tech’s Transportation division and is taught at both campuses. In addition to careers in Transportation, the college offers career-focused education and hands-on training in over 50 program areas, designed to prepare students for employment and continued learning in a wide range of industries. Learn more at HennepinTech.edu.
