Quinsigamond Community College students are proving once again that they are entering the workforce prepared, professional, and eager to excel. At Worcester’s Harr Toyota Service & Parts Department, recent graduate Mariam Abdelwahab and current student Deb Bermudez are already making a strong impression.
Both Bermudez and Abdelwahab came to QCC without prior mechanical knowledge, but were eager to learn and work with their hands. Associate Professor of Automotive Technology John Diethelm praised them for putting such tremendous effort into the program and spending extra time outside of class.
“I get really excited about learning new things,” said Abdelwahab, who graduated in 2024 and has been a lube technician at Harr for almost a year.
Harr Service Manager Jon Prickett, who oversees more than 40 employees in the busy dealership, says the QCC pipeline has been invaluable and credits Diethelm with referring quality candidates.
“QCC’s done a good job getting them ready for this work,” Prickett said. “They’re already ahead of the game by the time they get here.”
To stay current on employer needs, Diethelm keeps in close contact with service managers throughout the industry and makes sure students know exactly what to expect when they enter a shop as an employee.
“I feel confident in my skills and to be in the field and learn more,” said Bermudez, who developed an automotive interest at a young age from spending time with her stepfather.
Bermudez and Abdelwahab appreciate having a shared QCC background, which carries added meaning as women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. When Bermudez started as a lube technician at Harr last fall, Abdelwahab was already on the floor and helped her learn the ropes. Outside of their friendship, they have also found the workplace culture to be genuinely encouraging and engaging.
“I was scared at first, but the environment has been supportive,” Abdelwahab shared. “Toyota is a good opportunity. They offer a lot of training and potential to move up.”
With the shop handling over 100 appointments a day, Prickett said reliability, readiness, and a desire to learn are essential skills for employees. While entry-level applications are plentiful, candidates who meet the desired standard can be difficult to come by, which is why he appreciates new employees like Bermudez and Abdelwahab.
“They’re awesome. Mariam is already moving up, and Deb came in and completed every certification within her first three weeks. They’re fast-tracking because they come in prepared and motivated,” Prickett commented.
For Bermudez, the experience has been about even more than technical skills.
“The job and going to school have helped me discipline myself and grow into a better person. I’m very focused on learning and my career. And I’m also able to give back and reciprocate good energy,” she said.
As a proud professor, Diethelm is setting a high bar for these two rising talents and expects to hear "great things" from them in the future. They are certainly on track to meet those expectations.
“I like this industry,” Bermudez said. “I’m working hard and will keep climbing to the point where maybe I’m sitting behind the desk running the place."