May’s Driving Good Youth & Mentor Spotlight is Jakob Williamson! Jakob is an Intern and Apprentice Service Technician at H+H Chevrolet. Currently, he is a GM ASEP student at Southeast Community College and is pursuing a business certificate. Jakob graduated from Millard West High School in 2023. Jakob’s mentor is John Albers, a Service Technician at H+H Chevrolet.
Learn more about Jakob and the experiences he shares as an Intern and Apprentice with H+H.
Q&A with Jakob Williamson
How do you think your apprenticeship will benefit you in your career exploration/advancement?
My apprenticeship has already opened endless doors for my career and education. With my apprenticeship, I earned a full scholarship from the Walter Scott Family Foundation. My apprenticeship was one of the most significant factors in earning my scholarship. Joining H+H before I started my senior year of high school gave me a significant head start in my career.
Briefly explain how you learned about H+H. What led you to pursue a job here?
I learned about H+H and the apprenticeship opportunities here through the Intern Omaha program with Avenue Scholars. While interviewing for my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to meet with various employers in the automotive and diesel industries. I chose H+H because of the people and the culture. In my interview with Rob Ramsey (Service & Parts Director), it was clear that H+H is a company willing to invest in those who prioritize investing in themselves. The opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor was a significant factor in my choice of H+H. I knew at H+H, I could do more than basic oil changes and services. While those essential services have been a necessary part of my growth as a technician, I have also been able to work through more advanced jobs, such as engine and transmission work, with a mentor.
Is there a person or a moment at work that has had a positive impact on you?
Too many people in my time with H+H have profoundly impacted me for the better to choose only one. My mentor, John, has taken every opportunity to teach me. John is always ready for my volley of questions; we will figure it out as a team if he does not have the answer. I greatly enjoy working with John; I always look forward to learning something new every day when I get to work. Trish Ruffino (Talent Acquisition Business Partner), and Rob Ramsey have both been instrumental in beginning my career with H+H. They both helped guide me into joining a field mostly comprised of people much older than myself as a young apprentice. Trish and Rob invited Daniel Rios, another Chevy apprentice and ASEP student, and myself to join them at a career fair on the Lincoln campus of SCC, which I attended as a high school student the year before and had the opportunity to hear Rob speak. I have since had the opportunity to attend more recruiting events with Trish; I enjoy sharing my experiences as an apprentice with H+H, as it has significantly impacted my career and life plans.
Jakob with his mentor, John at H+H Chevrolet Service.
What new skills have you obtained during your internship?
I have gained many new skills, some of which I may not even realize yet. This June will mark two years with H+H, and to say I’ve learned a lot would be an understatement. I have had the opportunity to do more advanced repairs with mentors and basic oil changes and services independently. The time I spent in express service working on my own for a summer was a learning opportunity I did not initially understand. However, it taught me independence and refined my problem-solving skills, allowing me to work more efficiently and confidently. My knowledge of the automotive industry has grown tremendously in such a short time. I think my professional communication skills have been one of the areas in which I have seen the most growth. I feel more comfortable speaking with other professionals, which is likely because even as an apprentice, everyone shows me the same respect as any other technician.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I played baseball for 15 years.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
At H+H we are committed to fostering talent and innovation throughout our company culture. Mentorship is at the heart of what we do to ultimately shape the future leaders of the automotive industry. Learn more about our Driving Good Youth & Mentor Spotlight.
Be sure to follow along with our Driving Good initiative and upcoming events where you can become involved to give back to our community.
