“Skilled trades education is not about teaching tasks. It’s about rebuilding identity. When students are trusted with real work and held to real standards in a supportive environment, they rise to it.”
Mario Lizarraga teaches Automotive Collision Repair at the Regional Occupational Center in Bakersfield, California. Growing up working alongside his mechanic father, Lizarraga developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and quality work. He brought over a decade of industry experience in collision repair, refinishing, diagnostics, and shop ownership into the classroom when he transitioned to career technical education. Beginning his teaching path at a special education vocational site, he established a foundation in differentiated instruction and meeting students where they are. A continuous learner holding I-CAR credentials, Lizarraga has served as a WASC Co-Chair and New CTE Instructor Trainer, earning recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Kern County Teacher of the Year.
Lizarraga transformed the automotive program into a modern, production-style collision facility where students master structural and non-structural repair, welding, panel replacement, and refinishing. Training on industry-standard equipment such as spray systems, welders, and frame measuring systems, students rotate through structured shop roles and full-vehicle repair cycles. Through rigorous hands-on projects, students prepare for certifications like I-CAR and Ford ACE while developing essential workplace communication and leadership skills. This comprehensive training empowers students to excel at high-stakes levels, including earning historic gold and multiple top placements at the California SkillsUSA Leadership Conference.
Notes of Excellence
- Business & Industry Alignment: Martin Auto Color provides direct refinishing expertise, training students in modern paint mixing and blending techniques that led to first, third, and fourth place finishes at the California SkillsUSA competition.
- Key Program Impact: Approximately 85% of program graduates successfully continue in the transportation pathway, entering the workforce or pursuing automotive postsecondary education with industry-aligned credentials.
- Community Connection: Through the “Restoring Rides” initiative, students perform comprehensive, no-cost vehicle restorations for underserved families facing economic hardship, directly applying technical skills to restore community mobility. They partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, the National Auto Body Council, and local partners, and document the whole process from start to finish to build pride and visibility for the program.