South Lake Automotive Program Shifts Gears
By Staff Writer - Caleb Burkes (‘26)
When students enter the auto shop this year, they notice more momentum and a clearer path ahead. This is intentional, according to automotive instructor StevenHazard, who has focused on improving routines and raising expectations from the start.
“The year has been good so far. We’ve made a lot of progress and changes to improve the program,” Hazard said.
Students have also spoken on the strides the program has made from last year to this year. “The program is way more organized now. Everything feels smoother and easier to learn.” says second year auto student, senior Mike Chambers.
Hazard’s new ideas come from his long career. “I have been in the automotive industry for 35 years,” he noted, explaining how his time in real garages—working with technicians, service writers, and shop owners—has shaped his teaching style. He believes students learn best when they can connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges: reading work orders, communicating clearly, and diagnosing problems with a step-by-step plan.
What keeps him going is the range of opportunities he sees for students after graduation.“I feel there are so many chances to make a good living in the automotive industry. With some mechanical knowledge, it opens up many doors,” Mr. Hazard said.
Those doors include entry-level technician roles, service advising, parts and logistics, collision and refinishing, and even paths into manufacturing or engineering support. He stresses that the field rewards curiosity and consistency just as much as hands-on skill.
Students say they’re drawn to the hands-on nature of the work and the satisfaction of fixing something that wasn’t running just an hour before according to senior Larry Sparkman. Chambers adds, “I’m a hands-on learner. I understand things best when I’m moving, working, and experiencing the process for myself.”
Hazard emphasizes mindset—showing up on time, respecting safety, double-checking work, and taking pride in small improvements. These habits apply to any career.
While this year’s “tune-up” is still underway, the goal remains clear: give students a head start. Whether they plan to enter the workforce or continue training, Mr. Hazard wants them to leave with confidence and a strong foundation in mechanical thinking. “Good living” in the automotive field, he says, isn’t guaranteed—it's a possibility students can earn with the right preparation.
As the shop buzzes and tools clink, the program continues moving in the right direction. With experience behind the wheel and new energy in the classroom, Mr. Hazard believes better systems and higher standards will help his students go farther, faster.
Article provided by South Lake Schools for publication in the Macomb Daily.
