Corben LaVergne, Diesel Equipment Technology student at Gateway
“I felt I would have advanced opportunities with a college degree, especially a path to higher pay.”
— Corben LaVergne, Gateway Technical College student
Corben LaVergne says in high school he dreamed of opening a restaurant.
He took some classes to help him realize that dream, but it stalled when he couldn’t find anyone to help guide him. He chose to take a different route, enrolling in classes much different than culinary — diesel technology.
That’s when a whole new world opened up to him. He went from dreaming of cooking steak and eggs to repairing vehicles. And Gateway helped him achieve that dream — and a little more.
“I always believe in trying something out of your comfort zone, so I decided to take some small engine classes, which led to taking automotive classes — and it was there I found the love of working on vehicles,” said Corben.
Instructor encouraged further training
Corben took Gateway classes while in high school, honing his skills in the vehicle repair industry to the point where a Gateway instructor encouraged him to enroll in a youth apprenticeship program.
He immediately said yes.
“While there were some gas engines to work on, a lot of the work at the apprenticeship was diesel work,” said Corben. “I found out I really liked it.
“Partway into the apprenticeship, my instructor encouraged me to enroll in college. I found out that I had reduced costs through my dad’s GI Bill, and thought this was too good an opportunity to pass up. I enrolled at Gateway.”
Corben said it was then he began to fully realize the impact a college degree would have on his career and life.
“I felt I would have advanced opportunities with a college degree, especially a path to higher pay,” said Corben. “I decided to stick with diesel and enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology program.”
Those two realizations quickly became reality for Corben, who’s already begun his career while still a student at Gateway. Not only is he a technician, but his employer thought so highly of him they’ve already made him the shop manager.
“I’ve always said I should take a step outside of my comfort zone and I did again — and now I am the shop manager. I work on diesel engines, do parts ordering, fill out orders and work on repairing vehicles. It’s important for the company to have its trucks out on the road, so we have to work as quickly and efficiently as we can.”
Uses skills learned in classroom at work daily
For Corben, it was the diesel classes that gave him the opportunity to obtain the foundational skills he uses at his work every day.
“I was really helped out by my diesel classes. I really liked the brake class and drive train class. I’m taking that now,” said Corben. “But I would say most of the classes helped me in some way. I had some English and communications classes that helped me learn to speak properly and I think my psychology class helped me as a manager,” said Corben.
The flexibility of the courses also helped Corben: “I like the fact that classes were held at night. There are times when I work 60 hours a week and the ability to take classes at night makes it so much easier for me.”
Ultimately, Gateway helped Corben enter his dream career before he even graduated.
“Taking courses in high school and then at Gateway allowed me to graduate a semester early and gave me the education and skills to do what I love to do — that helped me out a lot,” said Corben.
“It was very affordable, too. I didn’t pay in high school, my dad’s GI Bill helped me out and I received three Gateway Foundation scholarships. Diesel and the trades are a ticket to a good paycheck and a good life.”
To learn more about Gateway’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, go to gtc.edu.
