12/02/2025
Thomas Biesterfeld, an Owatonna High School senior, is gaining hands-on work experience through a part-time job at Tim's Auto Service, learning everything from oil changes to tire installation, along with brake and suspension repair.
Thomas joined the shop through a grant from the Greater Twin Cities United Way secured by the Owatonna Chamber, which connects students with local businesses.
Tim and Julie Blazek, owners of Tim's Auto Service, have found the grant program helps to offset some of the training costs, and the extra help in the shop is always a benefit. It also helps to give some exposure to working in the field of mechanical repair, where qualified workers are in demand locally and across the country.
Thomas hopes to turn his experience into a full-time career after graduation, with plans to continue learning at a technical college or join the military to learn more about aviation mechanics.
