A lot has Changed in CCP’s Automotive Technology Program

Today, Jason Barnes is the instructor of Community College of Philadelphia’s Medium and Heavy Truck Technology program. But when he enrolled as a CCP student in the late 90s, the Automotive Technologies program looked very different. There wasn’t even a full-fledged Automotive Technology department back then—the program fell under the Physics department as part of Electrical Technologies.

In fact, the entire West Philadelphia Campus looked very different. Now, the Career and Advanced Technology Center sits proudly at the corner of Market and 48th streets. The building is a three-story, state-of-the-art facility that houses more than a dozen cars, a tractor trailer, a whole SEPTA bus, and a stunning array of shop equipment and technology. When Jason was a student, CCP had an unassuming Auto Tech building with a few vehicle lifts and small alignment rack that could raise a car about three feet off the ground.

“The parking lot was basically the shop,” Jason said.

Rich Saxton, who is the current chair of the Transportation Technology department, was one of Jason’s instructors in the 90s.

“We had a small spot back then, and we still had 20 students in the class, so they had to work in teams,” Rich said. “Jason was a great team leader. And even if he wasn't leading, he was always involved because he knew the more involved you are, the more you're going to get out of it.”

Another of his instructors was Dan Reed, who is now the curriculum coordinator for the Toyota T-Ten program at CCP. Dan said Jason was joy to have in class.

“He was happy, always pleasant, always in a great mood, always hands on,” Dan said. All characteristics Jason is still known for today.

After taking every Automotive class CCP offered at the time, Jason left CCP in 2000 and started working at SEPTA. There, he enjoyed a 19-year career before working for the Borough of West Chester as their fleet manager.

Over that time, CCP’s Automotive Technology program had grown into its own department. The CCP Auto Tech building had been replaced by the Career and Advanced Technology Center, which officially opened its doors in 2022. One year after that, the College was ready to create a program dedicated to medium and heavy trucks.

While working in the field, Jason stayed in touch with his former CCP instructors, including Rich and Dan.

“They know every step that I've done in my professional career,” Jason said. “From maintenance to being a mechanic on the floor to a foreman to West Chester. They followed me all the way along. So, the opportunity to come back here and teach was a dream come true.”

Jason began teaching at CCP in 2023 as the College’s first Medium and Heavy Truck Technology instructor.

As Jason explained, his automotive career all began with his education at CCP. When he started working at SEPTA, he kept learning. He became more familiar with automotives in a practical, professional setting. He also learned how to work with others in a shop.

He then brought his 20-plus years of work experience back to the College where he could teach the next generation of mechanics.

“Because of what they taught me here, when I got to SEPTA, it made me a better mechanic,” Jason said. “It helped me move up. What they taught me, I carried it throughout my career. So, what I'm doing now, I'm just giving that back to my students.”

Rich, Dan and Jason all recognize the giving nature of the cycle they’re part of.

“To actually work with Jason, it's great to see him and his success and the way he handles himself,” Rich said. “And, you know, it’s cool that maybe me or Dan had a part in it.”

“If I didn't have these two gentlemen in my life, I will tell you right now, it would not have been as nice,” Jason said. “And I find myself repeating what they taught me to my students."