How a love for fixing cars led to a second-chance career
Thursday, February 27, 2025 12:00 AM
Michael Moton has always enjoyed fixing things. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in economics and having a diverse career, his true calling came later in life.
After graduating from Gramling State University in Louisiana, Michael worked various jobs, including a favorite at an automotive plant in Belleville, Michigan. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to his layoff, and he found himself working for the state of Michigan. Although the job offered stability and the ability to work from home, Michael was still unfulfilled.
Approaching his 40th birthday and dissatisfied with his career, Michael decided he wanted a change.
Macomb and GM dealerships offer hands-on experience
A conversation with a friend changed everything. She asked him what he would do for the rest of his life if money were no object. With a passion for hands-on work and a love for cars, Michael discovered that Macomb’s GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), a mechanical apprenticeship, was the perfect opportunity.
The GM ASEP program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience at a sponsoring dealership. Michael’s sponsoring dealership, Champions Hargraves Chevrolet in Royal Oak, has welcomed him as an apprentice.
Michael started in August 2023 and is set to complete the program in May 2025. He splits his time learning in the classrooms at Macomb’s South Campus in Warren with time at the dealership, where he does everything from standard maintenance to repairs and troubleshooting.
“I’ve always had a passion for fixing stuff, and I would tinker with my own cars,” he said. “I had always wanted to be a mechanic, but I had already gone to college so I never thought I would get the chance.”
Scholarship opportunities for returning students
To help fund his education, Michael received a scholarship from Barton Malow through the Macomb Foundation. The scholarship covers most of his tuition, he said.
“For someone like me, who already had a degree and was a little bit older, this scholarship is perfect,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be without this scholarship.”
Reflecting on his decision, Michael said, “Even though I might want to sleep a little longer when the alarm clock goes off, I can honestly say that I haven’t had one day where I didn’t want to go in. Whether it’s the classroom portion or the dealership portion, I look forward to going in.”
Michael’s story is a testament to following one’s passion, regardless of age or previous career paths. His dedication to the GM ASEP program and his love for fixing things have set him on a fulfilling new career path.
If a career in Automotive Technology or the GM ASEP program interests you please visit our Automotive Technology webpage to learn more.
After graduating from Gramling State University in Louisiana, Michael worked various jobs, including a favorite at an automotive plant in Belleville, Michigan. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to his layoff, and he found himself working for the state of Michigan. Although the job offered stability and the ability to work from home, Michael was still unfulfilled.
Approaching his 40th birthday and dissatisfied with his career, Michael decided he wanted a change.
Macomb and GM dealerships offer hands-on experience
A conversation with a friend changed everything. She asked him what he would do for the rest of his life if money were no object. With a passion for hands-on work and a love for cars, Michael discovered that Macomb’s GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), a mechanical apprenticeship, was the perfect opportunity.
The GM ASEP program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience at a sponsoring dealership. Michael’s sponsoring dealership, Champions Hargraves Chevrolet in Royal Oak, has welcomed him as an apprentice.
Michael started in August 2023 and is set to complete the program in May 2025. He splits his time learning in the classrooms at Macomb’s South Campus in Warren with time at the dealership, where he does everything from standard maintenance to repairs and troubleshooting.
“I’ve always had a passion for fixing stuff, and I would tinker with my own cars,” he said. “I had always wanted to be a mechanic, but I had already gone to college so I never thought I would get the chance.”
Scholarship opportunities for returning students
To help fund his education, Michael received a scholarship from Barton Malow through the Macomb Foundation. The scholarship covers most of his tuition, he said.
“For someone like me, who already had a degree and was a little bit older, this scholarship is perfect,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be without this scholarship.”
Reflecting on his decision, Michael said, “Even though I might want to sleep a little longer when the alarm clock goes off, I can honestly say that I haven’t had one day where I didn’t want to go in. Whether it’s the classroom portion or the dealership portion, I look forward to going in.”
Michael’s story is a testament to following one’s passion, regardless of age or previous career paths. His dedication to the GM ASEP program and his love for fixing things have set him on a fulfilling new career path.
If a career in Automotive Technology or the GM ASEP program interests you please visit our Automotive Technology webpage to learn more.