NCST Graduate Opens Diesel Repair Shop | New Castle

Alex Gill spent his childhood in his grandfather's driveway, handing wrenches over while engines came back to life. Now a graduate of New Castle School of Trades' Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair program, he has turned those early lessons into a career.

Gill's grandfather worked on vehicles at home and later attended NCST's welding program. When his father died and Gill was 17, he enrolled at NCST instead of joining the Marines as he had planned.

"I was jealous watching friends and family go through NCST programs," Gill said. "I had to put my foot down and make a move."

The diesel program gave Gill the technical foundation he needed. His instructors shaped him most. "They want to see you succeed," he said. "You come out knowing the general basics and understanding of how all this works, without fear of not knowing anything."

Gill rode city buses during a difficult period in his life and understands what reliable transportation means. He plans to open his own shop to serve his community.

"I don't want to see people struggle without a vehicle like I did," Gill said. "When it's broken, they have somebody to lean on."

His advice to others considering the trades: "Find something that you want in life and set that goal. Think of all the things you have to do to get there. Get up and do it."