Four Rivers Career Center offers a wide variety of classes to choose from, but only one of them offers a night shift program-- Automotive Technology. This night shift program allows students to come in from 4:00 P.M. to around 8:00 P.M. Students will take an old beat-up tractor and completely rebuild it-- everything from the motor, to the wheels, and then to paint. These tractor projects are documented step-by-step and, at the end of the year, will be introduced into a nationwide contest. Many students partake in this night shift program at FRCC, and they all seem to enjoy it. Night shift usually begins mid-way through November.
Dan Brinkman is the instructor for the night shift program and takes great pride in what he does at FRCC. He is not paid for hosting the night shift program-- he does it because he wants to. He wants to help the students who want to go the extra mile.
The students who participate in the night shift program receive no school grade while attending night shift, which means it is completely voluntary. The students who choose to participate in night shift get to further their knowledge in the automotive industry.
When asked about his favorite thing about the night shift program, Dan answered, “Giving kids the opportunity to learn more about what they love, and the food!”
Dan was asked what motivates him to be so dedicated to the night shift. His response was, “Part of it is the competition”--Dan really likes winning--“but I really love to see the kids compete, and try as hard as they can.”
Another question that was asked was what does the competition yield. The competition yields a trophy for podium winner, and a $5,000 scholarship to the first place winner as well as a $2,500 tool set by Snap-On.
Another thing night shift students get to do is cook some very delicious meals. On most nights, they all pitch in some money and go to the store, and get stuff to make dinner. They make literally any homestyle-type meals like chili, country fried steak, fried chicken, and burgers. This is a big part of the night shift program that helps everyone there get to know each other better.