The Power of Technical Schools
About this episode
A lively conversation about Lincoln Tech and why technical education can be a faster, more practical path than a traditional four-year degree. Josh Jones breaks down the Denver campus, hands-on training, career placement support, and the school’s six programs, including welding, diesel, automotive, HVAC, electrical, and collision. The discussion also covers industry demand, financial aid, OEM partnerships, Tesla training, and Lincoln Tech’s annual car show.
Lincoln Tech
"Josh Jones is this man's name he runs Lincoln Tech have you heard of Lincoln Tech man? If you are you familiar with what Lincoln Tech is?"
Lincoln Tech is a school that teaches job skills with hands-on training. The hosts are talking about how big their campus is and the kinds of shop classes they offer.
Lincoln Tech is a trade-school brand focused on hands-on career training. In this segment, the hosts highlight its automotive-adjacent shop environment and large campus facilities in Denver.
tech schools
"You know it would be amazing to go to a trade college just to be able to pick up skills... Well, this is a great resource for that Lingatech."
They’re talking about trade schools—programs that teach practical skills—rather than only going to college. The point is that hands-on training can help people get job-ready.
The hosts discuss trade/technical schools as an alternative to the traditional four-year college path. The episode frames these schools as a way to build practical skills through shop work.
welding bays
"It's it's unbelievable bro. It's like 200 and something thousand square feet It's got like, you know 60 plus bays of welding."
A welding bay is a specific area in a shop where people learn and practice welding. It’s like a dedicated work spot with the tools needed for that job.
A welding bay is a dedicated workstation area equipped for welding practice and fabrication. More bays generally mean more students can train at the same time and more specialized setups can be supported.
diesel stuff
"It's got like, you know 60 plus bays of welding. It's got bays of diesel stuff. It's got I mean you name it"
They’re talking about classes and equipment for diesel engines. Diesel training usually means learning how to inspect and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
“Diesel stuff” refers to training equipment and coursework related to diesel engines and diesel power systems. In a technical school context, this typically includes engine diagnostics, service procedures, and hands-on mechanical work.
welding booth
"It's got 128 welding boost dude think about that for a minute. You could you could pick a different booth"
A welding booth is a protected work area for welding. It helps keep sparks and fumes contained while someone practices the craft.
A welding booth is an enclosed or semi-enclosed area designed to contain sparks, fumes, and safety hazards during welding. Having multiple booths helps students rotate through equipment and practice different welding tasks.
vocational schools
"But the whole way through right I went to vocational schools [182.8s] I was professionally trained in welding and mechanics and machining and I just happened to keep Following a path that ended up in engineering"
Vocational schools teach practical skills for specific jobs. Instead of spending years on general classes, students learn hands-on trade skills that can lead to a real career.
Vocational schools are training programs focused on specific trades and job-ready skills rather than a broad academic curriculum. In this segment, the hosts connect vocational training to hands-on work like welding, mechanics, and machining that can lead into longer technical careers.
machining
"I was professionally trained in welding and mechanics and machining and I just happened to keep [189.8s] Following a path that ended up in engineering"
Machining is making parts by cutting and shaping material with machines. It’s important because many mechanical parts have to be made very precisely to work correctly.
Machining is the process of shaping metal (or other materials) by cutting, drilling, grinding, or milling to precise dimensions. It’s a core skill in manufacturing and repair because many vehicle components must fit tightly and meet exact tolerances.
diagnose
"when you can build something fix something right machine up parts diagnose [227.9s] It's Can't be matched."
Diagnose means figuring out what’s really causing a problem. Instead of guessing, a trained mechanic checks the clues to find the underlying issue.
Diagnosing (in a mechanical context) means identifying the root cause of a problem by checking symptoms, measurements, and system behavior rather than just replacing parts. The segment groups diagnosis with building, fixing, and machining as the practical payoff of technical training.
job placement
"We'll get into that job placement thing you guys have working for you in a moment [245.6s] But how rewarding is it for you to see these kids come out spend not four or five or six years?"
Job placement refers to how a training program helps graduates find employment, often through partnerships with employers, career services, and structured pathways into specific roles. The hosts mention it as a topic they’ll get into, framing it as a key outcome of technical education.
industry will direct our demand
"[428.1s] Industry will direct our demand from a standpoint of we have the programs that we offer and there's six great programs, right? [436.1s] And students they may be wild by you know the flash of light and welding..."
The idea here is that what employers need right now affects what schools focus on teaching. If companies are hiring for certain skills, the school tries to train students for those jobs.
This describes how employer needs and workforce demand influence which training programs schools prioritize. In other words, schools adjust what they teach based on what the automotive and diesel industries are hiring for.
under a hood
"...the flash of light and welding and the fire and the torches or you know being under a hood [443.8s] And they've been you know, it's been in their family for years..."
“Under a hood” means working on the engine area of a car. The hosts are saying some students are drawn to hands-on mechanical work right away.
“Under a hood” refers to working on the engine bay—diagnosing and repairing components located beneath the vehicle’s hood. The phrase is used here to describe a hands-on automotive attraction for students.
diesel tech
"...the industry is telling us. Hey, we need diesel tech [453.4s] True and the students coming in they're like, no, I want to do what I want to do automotive and industry selling this [458.5s] No, we need diesel techs, right?"
A diesel tech is a mechanic who works on diesel engines. These are common in trucks and heavy equipment, and the episode says this kind of training is in demand.
A diesel technician (diesel tech) is a mechanic trained to diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and related systems. Diesel work often includes heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, and the episode frames it as a skill area employers are currently seeking.
automotive technicians
"Because this is almost name your price type scenarios with good diesel technicians and automotive technicians nowadays"
Automotive technicians are car mechanics. They figure out what’s wrong with vehicles and do the repairs and maintenance.
Automotive technicians are trained mechanics who diagnose, repair, and service cars and light trucks. The hosts mention that good technicians are hard to find, implying strong job demand.
career services team
"Yeah, yeah in our career services team, you know, they do a great job at helping our students find work"
Career services are the people at a school who help students look for jobs. They can help with things like finding openings and getting ready to apply.
A career services team is the staff at a school or training program that helps students with job searching and placement support. Here, it’s described as helping students find work after training.
paint and repair
"[726.3s] Automotive technician [727.9s] paint and repair [729.9s] HVAC, what am I missing? [732.5s] Electrical electrical there you go. Yeah, man"
Paint and repair is the work of fixing car damage and then repainting it. It usually includes preparing the surface and using the right methods to make the car look right again.
“Paint and repair” refers to collision repair work that includes bodywork preparation and refinishing, along with restoring damaged panels. Training often covers surface prep, paint application, and repair techniques used after accidents.
HVAC
"[727.9s] paint and repair [729.9s] HVAC, what am I missing? [732.5s] Electrical electrical there you go. Yeah, man"
HVAC is the system that controls heat and cooling and helps move air around. Training covers how those systems work and how to fix problems.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In automotive and building contexts, HVAC training focuses on airflow, temperature control, and diagnosing system faults.
Electrical
"[729.9s] HVAC, what am I missing? [732.5s] Electrical electrical there you go. Yeah, man [735.6s] Something I hate. I probably should take that course [738.8s] Electrical is our newest program."
The electrical course teaches how a vehicle’s wiring and electronics work. It also helps you learn how to track down electrical problems.
In automotive training, “electrical” usually means learning how vehicle electrical systems work and how to troubleshoot wiring, sensors, and power/ground circuits. Modern cars rely heavily on electronics, so this program supports diagnostic skills.
low voltage
"...come in and learn some great skills when it comes to low voltage a little bit of high voltage and an opportunity to get their..."
“Low voltage” just means the electricity level is smaller than the main power systems. In car-related training, it usually covers wiring and electronics that control things like sensors and lights.
“Low voltage” refers to electrical systems that operate at relatively small voltages compared with typical household or industrial power. In automotive training, it often includes wiring and components for things like lighting, sensors, and control modules.
high voltage
"...come in and learn some great skills when it comes to low voltage a little bit of high voltage and an opportunity to get their..."
“High voltage” means the electrical system uses much more power than normal wiring. It usually requires extra safety training because it can be more dangerous.
“High voltage” means electrical systems that run at much higher voltages, which require special safety procedures and training. In automotive contexts, this is commonly associated with hybrid and electric vehicle power systems.
tractor trailers
"...they have 18 diesel bays that we're talking tractor trailers can fit in bro..."
“Tractor trailers” are the big trucks you see hauling freight. If a school has bays for them, it means students practice on real large vehicles, not small cars.
“Tractor trailers” are heavy-duty combination vehicles used for long-haul freight, consisting of a tractor unit and a trailer. Training that includes bays sized for these vehicles implies hands-on work on large-scale drivetrains and under-vehicle systems.
hands-on
"Well for me, that's that's the best way to learn man like hands-on visual do it [896.7s] You remember it you learn it because I did the book thing"
They’re talking about learning by actually doing the work instead of just reading about it. In car training, that means practicing repairs in a real shop.
The hosts are contrasting learning by doing (hands-on) versus learning from books. In automotive training, hands-on work usually means diagnosing, repairing, and using tools in real shop conditions.
Master Tech
"...gher level like like how does someone get to be a master tech? Do they have to go on the field for a number of..."
“Master” here doesn’t mean a type of car. It usually means a technician has reached the highest level of training or certification. The discussion is about how a person becomes qualified to do more advanced repairs.
“Master” in this context isn’t a specific car model—it refers to a top-level automotive technician certification or job title. It comes up when discussing how someone advances in the repair industry and what it takes to reach the highest skill level. The podcast likely mentions it to explain career progression for technicians rather than vehicle specs.
ASC certifications
"the ASC certifications that you know Students can get while they're here ... As you guys know in order to you know level up in industry these ASC certifications as you get them under your belt"
ASC certifications are official training credentials for auto technicians. The idea is that students earn them step-by-step while they’re in the program, and then they can keep progressing to higher levels.
ASC certifications refer to credentialing programs that validate automotive technician skills. In this context, the hosts are describing a structured path where students earn certifications while enrolled and then progress further by recertifying or “leveling up.”
level up in industry
"we're going to help students and allow them to take you know ASC test while they're here to start that certification process ... in order to you know level up in industry these ASC certifications as you get them under your belt"
“Level up” means moving to a higher career stage. In this case, it’s about getting more advanced training and credentials so you can qualify for more advanced technician work.
“Level up in industry” here means progressing through increasingly advanced technician credentials and responsibilities. The hosts frame it as a career ladder: earn certifications, then recertify or advance toward higher-skill roles like master technician.
recertify
"You need to either recertify or level up and in terms of being a master tech"
Recertification is the process of renewing a credential to show skills are current. The hosts describe it as part of the technician progression system: once you earn certifications, you either recertify or advance to higher levels.
technical schools
"That's so dynamically changes... And the first step is is linking tech... But more on what career path might be right for you different things they have and the the time it takes to get them"
This segment is about how technical schools and job-focused training can lead to better-paying automotive work. It frames education as a pathway into the industry and discusses how credentials can change earning potential.
Linking Tech
"And the first step is is linking tech... We're back after the break... He's the man at linking tech when you look up the man linking tech... We got 21 campuses across the country Denver campus is the furthest west"
Linking Tech is the training program the hosts are promoting. They’re saying it helps people build automotive skills and offers campuses in different locations.
Linking Tech is presented as a technical school network/campus system that trains people for automotive careers. The discussion focuses on its career-path value and the number of campuses it operates across the U.S.
electric cars and hybrids
"What do you guys have offered for that for the for you know, the up and coming electric cars and hybrids and Everything that's out there. Do you guys offer any educational programs for those?"
They’re discussing school programs for two types of “newer” cars. Electric cars use batteries and an electric motor, while hybrids use a mix of a gas engine and an electric motor.
The hosts are talking about training for both fully electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Electric cars run on batteries and electric motors, while hybrids combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor/battery system.
electude
"We introduced a new curriculum last year and it's called electude and we have a full room that's dedicated to to Training modules that are all electric based."
“electude” is the name of a training program or learning system the school uses. Here, they’re saying it focuses on electric-vehicle topics.
“electude” is a branded training platform/curriculum used by automotive training programs. In this context, it’s described as having electric-based training modules for technicians.
Tesla
"And it's a partnership that we have with tesla, okay Now we have a tesla training facility. It's built into the campus. They have six bays"
Tesla is the car company here. They’re partnering with the school to run hands-on training at a Tesla-specific facility on campus.
Tesla is referenced as a partner company providing a dedicated training facility and program. The episode describes a Tesla training setup with multiple bays and a structured “start” program for graduates to apply.
six bays
"Now we have a tesla training facility. It's built into the campus. They have six bays They you know, it's a tesla training program through and through."
A “bay” is like a garage stall where a car can be serviced or worked on. “Six bays” means there are six of those work areas.
A “bay” is a service/repair station in a workshop, typically a dedicated space where a vehicle can be worked on. Saying there are six bays implies multiple simultaneous training vehicles or hands-on stations.
16 week training program
"It's a 16 week training program if they're accepted into the program... They're paid throughout and then they also are placed throughout the country at it as a tesla Technician."
They’re describing a training program that lasts about four months. It’s set up to help people learn the job and then move into a technician position.
This refers to a structured, time-boxed technician training program. The episode frames it as a pathway that combines employment, classroom/skill training, and then placement into a job role.
placed throughout the country
"They're paid throughout and then they also are placed throughout the country at it as a tesla Technician, so it's a pretty cool opportunity..."
The hosts mention nationwide placement, meaning trainees are assigned to technician roles in different locations rather than staying in one local area. This is a key part of how the program converts training into real employment.
specific career path
"Talk about inroads Right to a specific career path and a job, right when you're doing a tesla program..."
They’re saying the program is designed to lead to a specific kind of job. Instead of just learning skills, it’s meant to get you into a technician career.
The discussion emphasizes a clear career track: training leads directly to a technician job. The hosts contrast this with more open-ended education by highlighting the job outcome.
supply and demand
"You can go and get hired by them and place at a tesla dealership. I mean man that is supply and demand Uh and it's perfect form right there."
They’re using a basic economics idea: if lots of companies need workers but not enough people are trained, jobs become easier to get. That’s why the program could be a smart move.
The hosts use “supply and demand” to describe why the program is attractive: there’s a need for trained technicians (demand) and a limited number of people who can fill those roles (supply). This framing supports the idea that early entry into training can lead to strong job prospects.
OEM
"We also offer some oem programs as well and These these programs that we offer here Within the school are going to be some some free opportunities."
OEM means the company that actually makes the car brand. An OEM program is training that’s tied to that brand’s specific vehicles and repair methods.
OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” In automotive education, OEM programs are training or certification tracks run (or sponsored) by the car brand itself, often aligned with how that brand wants technicians to diagnose and repair vehicles.
Audi
"So we offer one in audi It's an audi aep 2.0 program That if students while they're in our automotive program, they want to specialize in audi"
Audi is a car brand. In this program, the school partners with Audi to give students extra training focused on Audi vehicles.
Audi is the car brand referenced here as a partner offering a dedicated training track for students in the school’s automotive program. The speaker mentions an “Audi AEP 2.0 program” that students can take alongside their main automotive coursework.
Genesis
"We also afford ace program For students that want to get into forward genesis for students that want to you know find interest in those vehicles"
Genesis is a car brand (a luxury one). The school offers extra training opportunities for students who want to focus on Genesis cars.
Genesis is the luxury vehicle brand mentioned as part of the school’s partner programs. The speaker frames it as an option for students interested in working on Genesis vehicles.
Honda
"For students that want to get into forward genesis for students that want to you know find interest in those vehicles hondae We have a mold power program that's built in"
Honda is a car brand. The school is saying students can also get brand-focused training for Honda vehicles.
Honda is referenced as another brand with a built-in partner program option for students. The speaker groups Honda with other automaker tracks available during the school’s automotive program.
Toyota
"We have a mold power program that's built in and then we also have toyota lexus That's built in as well"
Toyota is a major car brand. The school is offering extra training options for students who want to work on Toyotas (and Lexus).
Toyota is mentioned as part of the school’s partner offerings, alongside Lexus. This indicates students can pursue additional brand-specific training while enrolled in the automotive program.
Lexus
"and then we also have toyota lexus That's built in as well"
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury car brand. The school is offering training opportunities for students who want to work on Lexus vehicles.
Lexus is the luxury brand referenced alongside Toyota as another built-in partner program. The speaker implies students can add Lexus-focused training to their overall automotive education.
workforce link through link and tech
"We have a whole division called worse workforce link through link and tech and their goal is to Connect students to industry and partner And start that while they're in school."
This sounds like a program that helps students connect with real employers while they’re still in school. The goal is to make it easier to move from training into a job.
“Workforce link through link and tech” is described as a division focused on connecting students to industry partners while they’re still in school. The core idea is early career pipeline building—internships, introductions, and industry exposure during training.
career and technical centers
"You know, you go into some of the career and technical centers at high schools now They're starting to offer welding. They're starting to offer auto."
These are school programs that focus on learning job skills. Instead of just regular classes, students can learn hands-on trades like welding or auto work.
Career and technical centers are school programs that teach practical job skills rather than only academic classes. Here, they’re described as starting to offer trade training like welding and automotive-related curricula.
collision
"They're starting to offer welding. They're starting to offer auto. They're starting to offer collision heavy machinery."
In cars, “collision” means crash damage and the repairs after an accident. Collision repair training teaches how to fix and restore damaged vehicles.
In automotive education, “collision” refers to collision repair—fixing vehicles after crashes. That typically involves diagnosing damage, replacing parts, and using bodywork and refinishing processes to restore the car’s structure and appearance.
paint booths
"Kevin you've seen paint booths before man, but these paint booths For example, just one of the many things between their welding booths their paint booths"
A paint booth is a special room for painting cars. It helps control dust and airflow so the paint job comes out cleaner and more even.
Paint booths are controlled environments used to apply automotive paint safely and consistently. They manage airflow, filtration, and ventilation so paint can cure properly and overspray is contained.
bake it
"But like their paint booths, but you know how you got to bake it... get that thing to 110 degrees like a cookie sheet."
“Baking” means heating the freshly painted surface so the paint dries and hardens faster. It helps the finish become tougher and more durable.
“Baking” in a paint process means using heat to speed up drying and curing of the coating. Higher temperatures help the paint crosslink and reach proper hardness faster than air-drying.
Car Star
"So car star uh our two paint booths uh our car star paint booths... they're pretty big in the Denver metro area when it comes to Autobody and collision work..."
Car Star is a company/network that does collision repair and body work. In the episode, they’re described as a partner that helps students learn using real shop equipment and processes.
Car Star is a collision repair network/brand that operates paint and body shops. The speaker credits Car Star as a partner providing paint booth resources and industry-standard collision work exposure for students.
Hunter
"...we've partnered with hunter hunter equipment for the past couple years... our partnership with them has brought in a hunter academy..."
Hunter is a company that makes equipment used by auto shops. Here, they’re also involved in training technicians on the tools shops use.
Hunter is an automotive equipment brand known for tools used in service and collision repair workflows. In this context, the speaker references Hunter equipment and a Hunter Academy that trains technicians on industry tools.
ADAS
"We have an adas System here that was one of one... but you know, we have a we have a lift down in our diesel area."
ADAS is the set of safety tech in newer cars that uses sensors and cameras. After repairs, those sensors often need careful calibration so the safety features work correctly.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems—features like cameras and sensors that help with things such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and collision warnings. Calibration and training are important because repairs can affect sensor alignment and accuracy.
lift
"...we have a we have a lift down in our diesel area. That's a ton... it's a massive beast and it's holding up one of our"
A lift is the platform that raises a vehicle so mechanics can work underneath it. It makes under-car repairs and inspections much easier and safer.
A vehicle lift is the hoist used to raise cars or trucks for inspection and service. In a diesel area, it’s typically used for underbody work like inspections, exhaust/brake service, and drivetrain-related repairs.
12th annual car show
"Tell everybody real fast about the car show that Lincoln take this their 12th annual car show Headed our way in July"
They mention it’s the 12th time they’ve held this car show. That helps you understand it’s a long-running event.
This refers to the event’s specific edition—its 12th year—framing it as an established annual gathering. It’s a useful chapter marker for listeners interested in the timing and scale of the show.
seven different classes
"Best in show plus the seven different classes that we offer You know, if you have a tuner or an import bring it out if you have a truck bring it out"
The show is organized into multiple judging categories (“classes”), with seven different ones mentioned. This is a common car-show format that lets different types of vehicles compete more fairly.
Best in show
"um, you know, it's gonna be uh in the heat of summer, but you know Nice day opportunity for you know, uh people to come out and show off their cars. Um, you know, we do, uh Best in show plus the seven different classes that we offer"
“Best in show” is the main award at a car show. It usually goes to the single best car overall.
“Best in show” is the top award at many car shows, given to the overall best vehicle across all classes. It’s mentioned alongside class categories, indicating how judging is structured.
tuner
"Best in show plus the seven different classes that we offer You know, if you have a tuner or an import bring it out if you have a truck bring it out"
Here, “tuner” means a car that’s been modified by enthusiasts. It’s typically set up for better driving and/or a more customized look.
In car-show context, a “tuner” is a vehicle modified for improved performance and/or appearance, often with aftermarket parts. The term usually implies enthusiast-style upgrades rather than factory stock.
import
"Best in show plus the seven different classes that we offer You know, if you have a tuner or an import bring it out if you have a truck bring it out"
“Import” here means a car made by a foreign brand (not from the local/domestic market). It’s being used to describe the type of car you can bring to the show.
“Import” refers to cars built outside the speaker’s country, commonly used in North America to mean non-domestic brands. In car shows, it often signals a category for foreign makes.
campus tours
"We'll have full trucks. We'll have um, you know people coming out Doing vendors. We'll have some of our partners out here. We'll do campus tours"
They’re offering tours of the school. For a technical program, that usually means seeing the hands-on shop areas where students learn.
Campus tours are guided visits to a school’s facilities, typically including workshops and labs. For technical schools, this is where visitors can see real training areas used for automotive trades.
virtual welder
"We're going to have we have a virtual welder and we have a virtual uh, Sim sprayer So if you've ever wondered in virtual reality how it feels to paint a car"
They’re talking about a VR-style welding simulator. Instead of welding for real, you practice in a virtual environment so you can learn the motions and what it feels like first.
A “virtual welder” is a training or demo setup that uses simulation (often VR) to let people practice welding without being in a real workshop. It’s meant to teach technique and give a realistic feel for the process before you ever touch real equipment.
virtual reality
"So if you've ever wondered in virtual reality how it feels to paint a car You're going to be able to do it that that day if you ever wondered in virtual reality How is it to hold a torch and do some welding?"
Virtual reality (VR) is when you wear a headset and get put into a simulated environment. Here, they’re using it to help people learn car-related skills like welding and painting.
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment you can experience with special headsets. In automotive training, VR can simulate tasks like painting or welding so learners can practice safely and repeatedly.
Sim sprayer
"We're going to have we have a virtual welder and we have a virtual uh, Sim sprayer So if you've ever wondered in virtual reality how it feels to paint a car"
A “sim sprayer” is a practice simulator for painting. Instead of spraying real paint, you can learn the motions and technique in a safe virtual setup.
“Sim sprayer” refers to a simulated paint-spraying experience, likely using VR or a training simulator. It’s designed to mimic how you move a spray gun and manage coverage without wasting real paint or risking fumes.
lingon tech dot edu
"Well, hey, man, josh, how do uh, how do people check out more on lingon tech tell us a little bit more on Where do people go to find out info get details just lingon tech dot edu You can go to lingon tech dot edu backslash campus backslash denver dash"
They’re pointing you to Lincoln Tech’s website to get details. It’s where you can find information about the campus and the event.
This is the website for Lincoln Tech, a technical education provider. The hosts direct listeners to the site to find event and campus information.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.