When Yelm Community Schools contacted STIHL Northwest about speaking to the high school’s small engine class, JD Fernstrom didn’t hesitate.
Fernstrom told the class that as a small engine technician, he has always had plenty of work to keep him busy during his 40-plus years of his career.
“I never hesitate to work with CTE groups since I have this career as a direct result of an amazing CTE instructor,” Fernstrom, STIHL Northwest’s technical services manager, said. “Of course, they didn’t call it CTE in the ‘70s, but the welding program taught me skills that led to an amazing career.”
STIHL has 9,000 dealers, while competing brands also have thousands of locations. City, state, federal agencies, and companies also use small engine equipment and need technicians.
“Honestly, I have no idea where I would be today if a lesson I learned in the metal shop hadn’t stuck with me,” Fernstrom said. “That small, seemingly simple skill led to my current position. The importance of CTE is exposing students to as many career paths as possible. Each skill they learn is another tool in the box allowing them to become more employable.”
Fernstrom said most employers are looking for basic skills in a new employee they can expand upon. The more skills an individual masters, the more likely they are to make a good living and have flexibility in their career path.
It’s no secret the economy has a labor shortage, and trades like automotive, and large vehicle and construction trades, are looking for employees.
“CTE programs give students a taste of the occupation as well as the basic skills required for the job,” Fernstrom said. “There is a large number of students that will never have the opportunity to attend college. Without CTE programs, we are denying students the opportunity to receive the training they require for a successful career.”
He added the career pathway can lead people anywhere if they are patient and reliable.
“We receive calls weekly from our dealers who are looking for technicians,” Fernstrom said. “I said that at this time it’s a matter of where you want to work in the U.S. There is most likely a technician needed by a local dealer.”
Fernstrom transitioned from a technician who worked at a local dealer to the manager of technical services in the Northwest United States for STIHL.
“Whenever I speak to students, I try to explain that the most important work skill to develop is dependability and a strong work ethic,” he explained. “Be the first person at work in the morning and the last to leave. Be the person that always steps up when a manager needs a volunteer. Clean the bathrooms and all the other dirty jobs that no one else wants to do. Be the person the manager can count on and you will get opportunities to grow in the company and in your career.”
He added that even if a person doesn’t have the required skills, many employers are willing to hire and train someone with a good work ethic. To demonstrate that as an example, the students that sat in the front seats received a special gift to prove that people who jump to the front and show eagerness are noticed and typically rewarded.
Fernstrom explained to the small engines class how state and federal regulations over the last two decades have radically changed the technology used in a small engine.
“For example, emission regulations have led to the implementation of electronically adjusted carburetors, fuel injection and battery-powered products,” Fernstrom said. “Many of the technologies used on modern automobiles have now made their way to the OPE industry. We are now connecting products to web-based programs to diagnose and calibrate them after repair. This is an exciting, as well as challenging time, in our industry because of these new operating systems.”
After speaking to the class, the students got to tour the STIHL Northwest factory, where Fernstrom explained the process for manufacturing to delivery at the warehouse. He also discussed the steps that are taken to deliver the product to STIHL’s retail dealers.
“While viewing our parts picking and shipping procedures, I explained that our crew members are graded on the speed, but more importantly the accuracy of their task,” Fernstrom said. “This job, in particular, demonstrates the importance of something people may seem like a menial and repetitious task.”
He added that STIHL’s employees must pick and ship the correct parts so the technician at the dealership can repair the equipment.
“A mistake at our warehouse may affect the ability of dozens of people to do their jobs and make a living,” Fernstrom said. “The students were impressed with the size and scale of our distribution center as well as the technology we use to ensure accuracy.”
Students also took part in some training sessions in the classroom as they were exposed to two and four-stroke engine theory, carburetors, and ignition theory, as well as the STIHL engine check diagnostic procedure.
“Afterwards, we moved to the shop area to see a demonstration of the STIHL engine check procedure,” Fernstrom said. “The students were then broken into teams of two to complete the STIHL engine check. The students were eager and excited to work on actual faulted products. I also want to credit the instructor. Her students were able to grasp a majority of the information because they already had the basics. I also want to compliment the students for their attention and excellent questions.”
Fernstrom added there were five to six students he would immediately hire because of their attention to detail, the questions they asked, and their ability to understand the information quickly.
“I expressed the importance of paying attention in all their classes. Reading, writing, math skills and verbal communication will be extremely important regardless of the career path,” Fernstrom said. “You never know when one small bit of information can lead to an opportunity.”
Fernstrom also said he believes Washington state prevents students who are under the age of 18 from working real jobs, which he said is a disservice to students and employers.
“We are expecting students to find jobs with no practical experience while at the same forcing employers to shoulder the expense of training the employees,” he added. “We need apprenticeships and other programs to allow students to get the experience they need before joining the workforce.”
When working with Yelm Community Schools, Fernstrom said he likes seeing the lightbulb go off in students when a piece of information finally makes sense and sparks interest in something that leads to a promising career.
“I like to say I’ve been lucky that I’ve never had to work for the money, although it might have been nice, but rather a job that I look forward to every day,” Fernstrom said. “They will be in the workforce for 40 years or longer. Why work at a job you dread? As mentioned earlier, the more skills they have, the better opportunity they have to choose a career they love.”
He also commented that STIHL has been the best company he has worked for in part because of their appreciation and care of its employees. He enjoys how they constantly promote education and responsibility.
