Jorland Gless grew up watching his dad and grandfather work on cars. By the time he was old enough to take an automotive class in high school, it felt less like a choice and more like the next natural thing. 

Now he’s doing it for a living. 

The recent Jackson County graduate was hired full-time at Jefferson Ford shortly after walking across the stage. He’s working as a lube tech, doing oil changes, tires, and brakes, and already has his eye on what comes next. 

Jorland took his automotive coursework at Empower College and Career Center, a career and technical education program where students pursue hands-on training alongside their regular high school studies. His instructor there, Zach Holtzclaw, ran a shop class where students worked on real vehicles brought in by real people. 

Jefferson Ford sponsored the class and was actively looking for apprentices. 

“I started working there because they sponsored the class,” Jorland said, “and they were looking for apprentices, so I got hired on because of that.” 

What Holtzclaw’s class gave him went beyond just the mechanics. 

“Mainly the opportunity and the ability to do hands-on work and actually work on people’s vehicles,” Jorland said. “If you ever had a question or anything, he would tell you and show you how to do it. So I learned a lot of things in general — some electrical, some engine repairs, some transmission. Just all around.” 

He came to Jefferson Ford as an apprentice and didn’t stay that way long. 

“I just got hired on as full-time,” he said. “I usually help with the technicians or just as a lube tech: oil changes, tires, brakes, stuff like that.” 

It’s entry-level work, but Jorland knows exactly where it leads. Jefferson Ford has a structured path: online training courses in transmissions, engine repair, diagnostics, electrical systems, and more. The dealership pays him for every hour he spends on them. Pass the courses, earn the certifications, and get a raise. 

“That’s how you can move up in your job, learn new things, and actually get a raise as well,” he said. 

His main interest is engine repair. That’s where he wants to go. 

While many of his classmates headed to college this fall, Jorland started building something else, a career with no loans attached to it. 

HireSmart Cares, which supports young people entering the workforce directly out of high school, provided Jorland with a work boot voucher through its Foot Forward program. The organization funds grants and resources for students pursuing trades and other careers that don’t require a four-year degree, with the belief that a good job doesn’t have to start with debt. 

Jorland didn’t need convincing. 

“Having the opportunity to get into a job right out of school is great, because I’m not worried about my future,” he said. “I already have a plan set, and I’m already at a job that can improve my career. Eventually I’ll be making a lot of money without any debt.” 

Ask Jorland what advice he has for younger students, and he keeps it simple. 

“Just be interested, always want to learn stuff, and take every opportunity you can,” he said. “School gives you a lot of opportunities, and I believe that if you don’t take those, you’re missing out.” 

Jorland sees continued learning in his future. 

“For what I see in my future, I would like to be a master tech,” he said, “and own a house, own some land, get a nice car — and be able to have my own shop at my place, or eventually start my own shop if I feel like it.” 

For now, he’s got cars to work on at the shop and at home. When he’s not at Jefferson Ford, he’s usually still under the hood of something.  

He grew up around cars and now he’s making a living out of his passion.