Many students are surrounded by college-bound peers, however there are others searching for alternative routes. Listening to the sounds of impact wrenches turning, while a car idles. Class of 2023 graduate Keanu Parker shares how he changed his life by leaving the country to pursue his future career.

Growing up, he was raised in Washington with friends and family alongside where his passion for cars began. Then, moved to Texas before starting his senior year of high school. Parker held onto his childhood memories to turn them into futuristic goals. 

“My best friend’s dad raised the both of us when we were 8 to 10 years old, and he always had projects in his garage,” Parker said. “Both of us would always help out as he would teach us how to do different things like how to change a tire, or do an oil change.” 

Throughout his final year of high school, Parker decided to go an alternative route for his future. He applied to go to a vocational training course at Porsche in Würzburg, Germany. This course offers an apprenticeship of 3.5 years and many other benefits that follow. More information can be found on the Porsche website.

“I am the apprentice in the shop, so I shadow some of the mechanics; each year I get switched to a different person who does different things. Right now, I’m with the mechanic, the one who does the motors and transmissions. Next year, I’ll be moved to the diagnostic and electrical guy. After that, I’ll be going to the auto body guy,” Parker said. “I also do a lot of cleaning because it’s my first year.” 

Parker obtained this apprenticeship from his grandparents; whom originate from Germany. 

“The people [at Porsche] and the general manager have known me since I was a child,” Parker said. “They have always asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about doing an apprenticeship or an internship here?’ Which just so happens that I’m also interested in cars, so I accepted it last year.”

The pathway to get to where he is now differentiates from many others. Parker moved across the country that included lots of tasks to complete to begin the apprenticeship. 

“First I had to do an interview, I had to apply, and send in my resume; I sent in a cover letter as well. Then, once that was accepted, I had to go apply for a visa. I got my visa, and when I got here I had to go get my residency permit. I also had to get my driver’s license, and I had to go register myself as a citizen,” Parker said. “It took about a year and a half in total.”

This route requires a considerable amount of work and commitment, yet Parker receives lots of support alongside. 

“My mom is definitely helping me more financially, so is my grandparents by giving me a place to live. My own place; I’m very thankful for that,” Parker said. “They are definitely the reason I’m able to do this. Without them, I very highly doubt I would be doing this right now, but they care about my future and my education.” 

The experience that Parker is currently going through is quite distinct from a typical college life.  There are a variety of experiences that come with being in a vocational training program.  

“I have something called ‘block unterricht’ which are different blocks of school, so I basically do two weeks of school each month, and the rest I work,” Parker said. “I just get a lot of the experience, and I get to do a lot of hands-on things instead of through a textbook or a computer.” 

Following his education and work experience in Germany, he will pursue his dream of becoming what he has always wanted to be. It will be a great accomplishment once he finishes his required 3.5 years at Porsche.

“If I go back to the states with a German apprenticeship for a German car company, it will make it a lot easier for me to get a job,” Parker said. “I’m hoping for my future profession to be a master mechanic for Porsche, or any German car for that matter.” 

There is always room to educate yourself on what type of future you would like to follow. This graduate kept his head held high for many years and persevered to get to where he is now.  

“Take a step out of your comfort zone; you can’t grow if you’re always comfortable, you have to try new things,” Parker said. You might fail a couple of times, but that’s all a part of it.”