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February’s Driving Good Youth & Mentor Spotlight is Lyland Cole! Lyland is a Service Technician Intern in the Jaguar, Land Rover, and Range Rover service shop at ONYX Automotive. He currently attends Metro Community College and is working towards an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology and a Certificate in Gas Tungsten ARC Welding. Lyland graduated from Papillion High School in 2023. Notably, he is also a student of the Avenue Scholars program. Avenue Scholars is an Omaha-Area individualized support service that helps students identify, prepare for, and ultimately sustain themselves financially in a high-demand career. He currently attends Metro Community College and is working towards an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology and a Certificate in Gas Tungsten ARC Welding. Lyland graduated from Papillion High School in 2023.
Lyland’s mentor is Cecil Haley (Service Technician, ONYX Automotive), and he warmly shares the value of this relationship to his life and career.
The biggest impact for me would be the level of responsibility that has fallen on me. With the increased amount of income, I see myself having to navigate “bills” such as car payments, insurance, gas, food, and any other expenses for myself. Slowly I try to become more self-sufficient without having to bother my parents for anything and put a burden on them. There are some days where I bite off more than I can chew and I have to slow down and realize I’m still going to college and only part-time.
The people at work have made a huge impact on me and were the main factor why I chose H+H and the Jaguar, Land Rover, and Range Rover shop at ONYX Automotive. From my first interview with Rob Ramsey (Fixed Operations Director), I knew this place was more than a job. It felt welcoming and comfortable. During my first visit, Corey Hora (Production Manager, ONYX Automotive) took me under his wing and showed me the potential of being a real technician. The most impactful person has been Cecil Haley. As my mentor for quite a few months, he has taught me so many things that will separate me from being a mechanic to a technician. Anything from diagnosis, double checking your work, cleaning up your area and the customer’s car where you worked. He has taught me to be proud of my work and the money will follow.
My favorite part of work is the culture and unpredictability. Many times, when I clock in I don’t know what to expect. Some people could be pulling transmissions and engines one week, and the next be doing nothing but basic services. The range of things we experience at this shop is unique, in the sense that we see almost everything under the sun, especially being the only dealership of our brand for miles. Also, our team is just fun to be around. The ability to joke and have fun at work truly makes a difference. I can say that I have no intention of leaving anytime soon.
Avenue Scholars has helped to provide me with opportunities or paths for me and my fellow scholars. Anything from internships, college, financial advice, and purchasing a car or apartment, Avenue Scholars is more than welcome to help us out.
One fun fact about me is I’m not really a car guy. I like working on cars, but I don’t have any hot rods or projects of my own. I like staying at home, playing games with friends, watching movies, and hanging out with my two parrots. I try to keep to myself but every now and then I’ll go out and have some fun, not often though.
ONYX Automotive we are committed to fostering talent and innovation throughout our company culture. Mentorship is at the heart of what we do to ultimately shape the future leaders of the automotive industry.
Learn more about our Driving Good Youth & Mentor Spotlight.
Post Written By: Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty, Foundation Director, The H+H Group
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