From shiney custom cars to beaters only for transport, the Future Automotive Service Technicians (F.A.S.T.) club had it all at their most recent meetup at OCD Chemicals in Panorama City on Friday, March 21.
The F.A.S.T. club is one of the newer clubs on campus, boasting 60 total members and around 20 active members. The club meets on Tuesdays in Applied Technology Room 3040 at varying times depending on plans.
President of the club Dennis Collatos says their mission is to provide an environment to encourage “gearheads” and transform the automotive students into mechanics.
“We just started last year, so we’re trying to build, build, build,” Collatos said. “We’re aspiring technicians.”
Some members have even found jobs through teachers at the school, encouraging those in the field and pushing others to learn.
“Pierce has actually helped us join the workforce doing what we love,” Collatos said.
José Barrera is one of the club members, a 26-year-old Automotive Technology Services major. He has been part of the club since its inception, and is now their Public Relations Officer.
“It’s a field that will never stop growing,” Barrera said, explaining that there is always room for people to join the field and enjoy themselves.
Other automotive clubs from the community joined in as well, among them the group from OCD Chemicals, a California State University Northridge club, and others.
Dan Poppell is another one of the founding members. Even though he’s no longer in the club, they still spend time together in and out of club meetings as a friend for the other members.
“What we wanted to do is to make sure that you’re doing it right – that’s a common goal we all share,” Poppell said. “I think that’s what really sets us apart.”
