BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — This week’s A+ Teacher is working overtime to address the severe shortage of auto technicians.

Three years ago, Barry Beyerl retired from a 30-year career in the automotive industry and stepped into the classroom at nature coast technical high school to make sure kids are college and career ready.

Described as a "blessing" on campus, Beyerl is celebrated by his students and fellow faculty.

“It’s like he’s our dad honestly,” said NCTHS senior Yeniel Valentin. “He’s stood tall. He’s done it all, really, and he’s helped us out in the program just to learn overall so much and he’s become such a positive figure.”

Both an educator and parental figure, with 30 years of experience repairing cars, trucks and buses.

“Not every one of them is going to leave here and be an auto mechanic,” Beyerl said. “I understand that and I don’t expect that, but everyone one of them is going to leave here owning a car, so they might as well learn a little about it, so when they do have to go have it repaired, they understand what they’re getting done to the vehicle.”

Beyerl utilizes a state-of-the-art auto shop for hands-on learning. That helps Beyerl create a perfect blend of theory and application.  

Students learn everything from steering, suspension and brakes to electronics and engines.

“They'll be able to change their oil,” he said. “If they have the equipment, rotate their tires, check their brakes, do their brakes and the ones that are really, really interested in it, they’ll be able to take engines apart and put them back together.”

Nature Coast Technical High School Principal Toni-Ann Noyes said last year, four of Beyerl’s students were ready to go straight from the classroom out into the workforce.

The auto-repair business community is continually in touch with Beyerl, looking for the next generation of mechanics and techs.

“There is a real shortage for automobile technicians,” he said. “I have employers calling me once a week looking for people, ‘Hey, do you have anybody. I need help.’ ”