Santa Rita Diesel
Gilbert Ochoa has a knack for teaching people. He served as a mentor to young airmen when he served in the Air Force, working on aircraft, and now he does it in a garage full of high school students.
Arizona’s Troops to Educators program helped Ochoa move into the classroom by translating his military performance reports into a Career and Technical Education teaching certificate. When the Diesel Engine Repair position opened at Santa Rita, he knew it was a good opportunity to continue helping young people build real skills.
“It’s great to watch them get that sense of accomplishment when they complete a task they had been struggling with,” Ochoa said. “That ‘aha’ moment is something they usually do not forget.”
He enjoys working with high school students and says the connection feels very familiar to what he had with his fellow airmen.
“I think that is part of the reason why I get along so great with a lot of my students,” he said. “I spent a lot of time with young adults fixing planes, and I try to bring that same mentality into the classroom.”
He still loves seeing students reach those important moments of understanding. He will pivot when explaining a new concept, going about it in different ways to help the students better understand.
“When they finally get it, that moment feels really good,” he said.
In Santa Rita’s Diesel Program, students can earn multiple ASE certifications, giving them a strong start toward careers in diesel and automotive technology. He says that for the right student, he may even be able to help them pursue additional automotive certifications.
The program also provides internship and scholarship opportunities through partners such as O’Reilly Auto Parts and Jim Click Automotive. Last year, one of his students won an O’Reilly scholarship and received a job offer on the spot.
Mr. Ochoa encourages incoming freshmen to try the class, even if they are unsure about a career in diesel or automotive work. Even if a student decides they don’t want to continue, they will learn basic life skills through the class.
Students learn how to change a tire, lift a vehicle safely, check a battery, and identify tools.
“At the very least, they walk away with those basic fundamental skills.”
His military background continues to guide how he teaches and how he prepares students to troubleshoot problems. He uses constant questioning to help students problem solve.
“I do not just give them the answer,” Ochoa said. “They have to figure it out for themselves to be successful.”
Mr. Ochoa hopes students leave his program confident, capable and ready for the next step, whether that is more training, a job in the field, or simply the ability to take care of their own vehicle.