Featured photo: Jim Wilkerson acts as the lead mechanic at Delta Tire and has more than 25 years of mechanic experience. He has been providing training through The Tire Project.
Written by Tanya Terry
The percentage of those living in poverty in north Flint as of 2019 was 39.8%, according to the Ruth Mott Foundation’s North Flint Dashboard. The graduation rate was 12.1% in 2020, according to the dashboard, with the dropout rate being much higher.
The Tire Project is a Ruth Mott Foundation funded project, providing job training to Genesee County residents with a focus on people living in north Flint.
“Our program provides individuals an opportunity to start a new career,” said Kris Johns, program manager for Flint Innovative Solutions, which has partnered with Delta Tire to provide the training.
“We are looking for people who want to learn a skill set that will help themselves professionally and their community,” Johns added.
“The Tire Project is an awesome opportunity to gain employment skills in the automotive industry,” said Athena McKay, executive director of Innovative Solution.
“Every journey starts with that first step; let us help you along the way!” McKay added.
Participants in The Tire Project receive eight hours of paid hands-on training at a busy automotive repair shop, job placement assistance and a $150 stipend. Johns recently told the Courier how the project is expanding.
“Our first class was in June of 2021,”Johns said. “We did a pilot project. It worked out very well. We then showed the results to Ruth Mott, and they allowed us to expand the program to have funding for training up to 40 people.”
Johns also explained the north Flint focus.
“Ideally, at a minimum, 50% of the participants will be from north Flint. We would like as many as possible-just to provide as many opportunities as we can to north Flint residents… Ruth Mott’s focus is on north Flint, and our project aligns with their north Flint strategy.”
According to Johns, the only criteria for the program are a good attitude and a willingness to work.
“The exciting thing about auto repair is the vast majority of mechanics started off either in tire repair or oil change. So, it’s one of those things where an entry level position can grow into a lifelong career.”
So far, 15 participants have completed the program. About 35% of those who completed the program have obtained entry level positions at repair centers, such as Delta Tire.
“We’re just looking to train more people this spring. The unique thing about our training program is individuals will receive one-on-one training with an experienced mechanic. They will do everything from oil changes and tire rotations, to maybe potentially a larger auto repair. We want people to see all the possibilities that go on in an auto repair shop…We want people who are comfortable with getting their hands dirty. It is a dirty job, but it can also be a rewarding job-not only with pay, but you can also help friends and family with their car repairs.”
According to Johns, equipment used at Delta Tire is used at major, retail automotive shops. So, the hands-on experience received will be directly translatable to other employers.
Jim Wilkerson acts as the lead mechanic at Delta Tire. He has more than 25 years of mechanic experience. Kyle Krupa is the business manager and also supports the program as a co-owner of Delta, along with Wilkerson, who is his father.
Skills such as tire inspection, customer service and salesmanship skills can also be developed during the training times.
“They can potentially go into management. The majority of the credentials are learned on the job. We see this program as a way to get people number one working at a good wage to start. Then, secondly, as they go to work every day, they gain new skills. Based off this economy, employers are looking for mechanics, and they’re able to move up.”
Anyone interested in the Tire Project can call or text Kris Johns at 810-348-4437. There is a rolling admission, and 35 spots were available at press time.
