This is a true story about someone from our community who, despite long odds and those saying, “you can’t,” stood defiant and dared to anyway — launching a new career that began at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
This is the second of a series of stories from our Let’s Get Started 2.0 spring recruitment campaign. In it we feature innovators, builders, healers, and protectors, each of which capably demonstrate what’s possible when we exercise a grain of grit. After all, if our neighbors can do it, so can you.
Always Under the Hood
Jose Martinez’s love for cars began in his hometown of Bellevue, Idaho. As a child, he was captivated by vehicles — a fascination that quickly turned into hands-on experience during high school.
“Whenever I could, I was under the hood,” Martinez recalled. “First with my own vehicles and then others’.”
That early interest paved the way for his decision to pursue automotive technology as a career. When it came time to consider post-secondary education, he knew a traditional four-year university wasn’t the right path.
“I found out that CWI had an automotive program, and that grabbed my attention,” he said. “I’ve always had a love for cars and trucks, and it was a perfect fit.”
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience
Now in his second year at CWI, Martinez is thriving in the Automotive Technology program. Designed to prepare students for employment in the automotive repair industry, the program blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in a state-of-the-art lab environment. Students gain practical experience diagnosing and repairing everything from engines and brake systems to electrical components and emissions controls.
“CWI had exactly what I needed,” said Martinez. “I knew that I wanted to become a real technician and help people with their vehicles.”
In addition to learning how vehicles work, Martinez enjoys the process of solving problems — especially when it comes to the complex technology found in today’s cars.
“There’s so much technology and so many systems that it can get very complicated, but I love chasing the problem,” he said. “In this field you never stop learning.”
Overcoming Challenges with Support
Transitioning immediately from high school to adulthood while juggling work and school responsibilities wasn’t easy. Martinez faced the realities of budgeting, time management, and a demanding academic schedule all at once. Fortunately, he found support in CWI’s faculty and learning environment.
“My professors always listen and give me good advice,” he said. “They want me to succeed as a person and that’s not limited to just in the classroom.”
He also leaned on his family, who remained his strongest source of motivation.
“They’ve done so much for me and helped me when things got tough,” said Martinez. “I’ll always be grateful for their support.”
Success at School and in the Field
CWI’s Automotive Technology program is driven to open doors for students and build a connected community, both through high-quality education and by facilitating introductions between students and local businesses. With a strong focus on standards, safety, and certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), students are enabled to enter the workforce with confidence.
For Martinez, the result was landing a job at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Boise while still enrolled in the program. Working part time, he’s able to apply what he’s learning in real time, gaining valuable experience with one of the most recognized names in the automotive industry.
“Getting that job while still a student has been huge for me,” he said.
Advice for Future Technicians
As he continues to build his career, Martinez has a message for students just starting out: “Don’t give up,” he said. “Things are going to get hard and difficult, but you can’t give up the first time. Hard work does pay off, and it will. You just have to trust the process.”
For those who share his love of vehicles and want a career rooted in hands-on problem solving, Martinez’s journey is proof that success is possible — with the right support, training, and determination.
Turn your passion for cars into a career. Explore CWI’s Automotive Technology program today.
