Reno County Internship Program Fuels Student’s Automotive Career Path

Intern Hayden Bontrager, left, works with automotive technician Derrick Hull, on a Reno County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle. 

Intern Hayden Bontrager has spent the past year at the Reno County Automotive Department. 

What started as a conversation in a fast-food drive-thru has turned into a hands-on career opportunity for Reno County Automotive intern Hayden Bontrager.

Bontrager, a second-year automotive technology student at Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy (HCTEA), was working at McDonald’s when he first connected with Automotive Director Ron Brubaker. Looking for real-world experience, Bontrager asked if there were any internship opportunities available.

"I was looking for an internship because I wanted that hands on experience, and I wanted to learn from a real mechanic," said Bontrager.

At the time, Reno County did not have an established internship program. After Bontrager applied and expressed his interest, Brubaker worked with Human Resources and HCTEA to create one—marking the first program of its kind for the department.

“This was a first-time adventure for us, and it’s worked out well.” — said Brubaker

Since joining the team about a year ago, Bontrager has gained experience across a wide range of automotive work. He started with foundational tasks such as oil changes, brakes, and tires, and has progressed into more advanced repairs, including engine work, differential repairs, and even hybrid battery component replacements.

The program is designed to mirror real-world expectations. Bontrager has been using inspection sheets from Midwest Superstore—where he plans to continue his career—to become familiar with industry standards and workflows. This approach helps ensure a smoother transition into full-time employment after completing his certification.

In addition to technical skills, the internship exposes students to the day-to-day operations of a working shop, where the workload varies depending on the needs of the county fleet.

Reno County Automotive partners with HCTEA to support students throughout their training. Interns remain in the program while enrolled in school, gaining experience until they complete their certification. The department also works to help place students in automotive careers after graduation.

For Bontrager, the experience has provided both confidence and direction as he prepares to take the next step in his career.

Automotive technician Derrick Hull, back, talks about fuses with intern Hayden Bontrager while working on a Reno County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle. 

Automotive technician Derrick Hull, left, and director Ron Brubaker work on a county vehicle in their shop with intern Hayden Bontrager. 

Automotive technician Derrick Hull, back, works with intern Hayden Bontrager in a Reno County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle. 

Hayden Bontrager noticed the Reno County Automotive label on Ron Brubaker's shirt as he gave him his drink order at the McDonald's drive through, and bravely asked if Reno County had an automotive internship program. Brubaker said they didn't, but through Bontrager's inquiry, an internship program was started.