Alumnus Spotlight – Tony Nolte Recognized by U.S. Air Force with Teamwork Award

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Automotive Technology and Upper Moreland High School alumni, Tony Nolte, has been an Airman in the U.S. Air Force since November. Nolte has been stationed in Port Hueneme in Oxnard, California since his enlistment. While in Port Hueneme, Nolte has been attending the U.S. Construction Training Center’s Interservice Mechanical Apprentice Course for Automotive Technology, and was recently awarded the “Teamwork Award.” This award was granted to Nolte in recognition of his dedication and aggressive pursuit of excellence through teamwork.

When Nolte enlisted he noted Automotive as his first choice in terms of jobs within the Air Force. He was fortunate enough to be placed in his first choice, and is enjoying the work and the overall Air Force experience. Currently, Nolte is a General Mechanic in the Air Force. He works on armored vehicles, general purpose vehicles, personal vehicles, and other job-specific vehicles.

Nolte credits his automotive repair excellence to the education he received in EASTERN’s Automotive Technology program. EASTERN’s Automotive Technology program is a two-year half-day program designed for students who are serious about working in the automotive industry. Career objectives include Automotive Technician Trainee, Under Car Specialist, and New Car Preparation Technician.

“Because I already have an in-depth understanding of automotive technology, I helped my classmates study, and in turn, our class received the highest grades,” said Nolte. “The class is similar to my experience at EASTERN which put me a step ahead. The Air Force offered me education and other opportunities and benefits that appealed to me rather than struggling with a part-time job while going to school. You have a guaranteed job and nothing but opportunities.”

Nolte is currently enlisted in the Air Force until November of 2013. For the next four years, Nolte will be stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, and will continue his on-the-job training in automotive. Nolte will come out of the Air Force with an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force with no student loans to pay back. After the Air Force, Nolte’s goal is to open his own automotive repair shop.

Photo: Airman Nolte with EASTERN Assistant Director, Kevin Reilly