KHSD Offers Hands-On Experience for Students to Prepare for Workforce

Regional Occupational Center partners with Last Touch Collision to provide real-world training for high school students.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Kern High School District's Regional Occupational Center (ROC) has launched a new collaboration with Last Touch Collision, a local body shop, to give students hands-on experience refurbishing vehicles and preparing them for careers in the automotive industry. Students split their time between classroom instruction and practical training at the collision repair shop, gaining valuable skills and on-the-job experience before entering the workforce.

Why it matters

This program provides an important pathway for high school students who may not be planning to attend college, offering them a chance to develop in-demand technical skills and get a head start on building a career. The partnership between the school district and local businesses helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

The details

Students in the ROC's Collision program spend half their time in the classroom learning about collision repair software, terminology, and other theoretical knowledge. The other half is spent at the Last Touch Collision body shop, where they get hands-on experience working alongside professionals to refurbish vehicles. The program aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the collision repair industry and prepare them for entry-level jobs upon graduation.

  • The ROC's Collision program is currently open for enrollment, with the internship portion starting in the fall of 2026.

The players

Mario Lizarraga

Collision Refinishing Instructor at ROC.

Jose Varajas

Service Advisor and CFO with Last Touch Collision.

Julian Morua

Student Co-op and Former Intern.

Gurjot Batth

Student Intern.

Kern High School District

The school district that operates the Regional Occupational Center (ROC).

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What they’re saying

“What they actually learned in class they are putting in practice. They are familiar with the software, terminology, and all the things we teach here. Not just hearing it from their instructor but a business reassuring they understand this.”

— Mario Lizarraga, Collision Refinishing Instructor at ROC (turnto23.com)

“We're planting the seed here today, and I believe these kids will grow into a big tree. When I was in ROC I would have definitely loved to come to a body shop to learn that experience hands on.”

— Jose Varajas, Service Advisor and CFO with Last Touch Collision (turnto23.com)

“There was a lot of challenges in the internship. You aren't only working on people cars, but you are there putting their life at risk if you aren't careful. Working with the technician there I learned how to conduct safety inspections and all the paperwork concerning that repair.”

— Julian Morua, Student Co-op and Former Intern (turnto23.com)

“Knowing what to do from collision work and getting your hands dirty is the best thing ever. In person experience is the best thing, ROC gave me the biggest chance to help me excel in my career!”

— Gurjot Batth, Student Intern (turnto23.com)

What’s next

The enrollment period for students is currently open, and the internship portion of the program will start in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

This hands-on training program offered by the Kern High School District's Regional Occupational Center, in partnership with a local collision repair shop, provides a valuable pathway for high school students to gain practical, job-ready skills and experience in the automotive industry, preparing them for in-demand careers without the need for a four-year college degree.