A high school program is helping high school students get into the auto industry.
Zully Roman says she's had a love for cars since she was 3-years old.
"I'm like a kid in a toy factory right now," said the McKee High School senior.
Auto technicans from Dana Ford Lincoln showed Roman and her classmates around the service department Monday. The dealership held a special open house for students in McKee High School's Career and Technical Education program. In addition to getting their high school diploma, the students earn vocational certificates.
"You want to be able to give the students the ability to go to college if they want and to go into a career if they want. The best part about it is that they have these options when they graduate," said the program's assistant principal.
The dealership has worked with McKee for the last 5 years, hosting events and donating equipment.
Shop managers say there is a high demand for auto technicians.
"A lot of the older guys are getting out of the field. Retiring. We need young people back into the field," said a Ford spokesperson.
Many of the technicians here are McKee graduates. They said it was nice to see their alma mater back in the building.
"I was in their shoes not to long ago. I'm at a big point at my life where I am going to make big things happen," said a McKee alumni who works for Ford.
A representative from Pennsylvania College of Technology was also on hand at the event. The school offers an undergraduate program that allows students to receive paid training at ford dealerships.
"Its a positive and a positive. You are learning and getting paid," said a student from the Ford Asset Program.
Roman also plans to be a technician and one day open her own shop.
"I could see myself underneath any one of these cars. Doing any of the jobs that the males are doing," she added.