Austin Frost Is Learning and Teaching at CFCC

Austin Frost is both a student and an instructor at Cape Fear Community College. He is currently earning his degree in Automotive Systems Technology while teaching Automotive Service to high school students at Pender High School through CFCC’s Career and College Promise program.

Frost graduated from CFCC’s Automotive Customizing Technology program last year and is now working toward his second CFCC credential. Before returning to school, he worked in automotive service for several years, building on the skills he first developed through automotive courses in high school. His instructors, Thomas Butler and Brad Draughon, saw his potential as a student and encouraged him to apply for the part-time teaching position at Pender High School.

Now, Frost spends his days teaching students the basics of automotive service, including oil changes, coolant, tire rotations, and other general maintenance. In the evenings, he becomes a student himself, attending CFCC classes Monday through Friday.

Being on both sides of the classroom gives Frost a perspective that shapes the way he teaches.

“My favorite thing about this so far is taking the skills that I’ve gained and learning how to decipher them in a way that will help people understand,” he said.

A Path That Started in High School

Frost’s interest in automotive technology began long before he arrived at CFCC. While still in high school, Frost took automotive courses through Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado. The program allowed him to earn college credit and put him about a quarter of the way toward a degree.

After high school, Frost joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for eight years as a radio operator. He eventually was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. After completing his service, he decided to make the area home with his wife and two children and worked in automotive service for several years.

An Opportunity to Explore

Frost wants his students at Pender High School to see automotive education as an opportunity to explore something new, even if they do not ultimately pursue it as a career.

Simply giving students exposure to automotive technology can be valuable. Students may discover a career interest, or they may simply leave the class with skills they can use in everyday life.

“At least you know how to change your oil. At least you know how to do your tires,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Once he completes Automotive Systems Technology, Frost plans to enroll in CFCC’s Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program. He has already completed some of the coursework and expects to be about halfway through the diploma when he starts. It will be his third CFCC credential.

Frost also hopes to see the automotive program at Pender High School continue to grow.

“I want these classes to be full. I want to take this program over the top,” he said.

Automotive Service is being offered this semester, with Brake Systems planned for the spring. Frost wants to build on that foundation and eventually expand the opportunities available to students.

Learn more about CFCC’s Career and College Promise Automotive Technician pathway.