Advanced Auto

“Do Your Best Everytime”: Auto Class Builds Careers and Character at RAHS

By Anna Gerike and Reedsburg Features Staff

For 23 years, the automotive shop at Reedsburg Area High School has been more than a place to change oil—it has been a training ground for future professionals. Under the guidance of Mr. Dave Anliker, the Advanced Automotive class offers students a unique blend of complex mechanical work and essential career skills.

While many high school classes rely on textbooks, Anliker’s shop runs on real-world problems. The class services vehicles for teachers and students, tackling everything from routine preventative maintenance—like tire rotations and oil changes—to major repairs and brake installations.

"Whatever comes in the door we do our best to help repair and replace parts for no [labor] cost," Anliker said. "For student vehicles, we even do larger projects like fuel pumps, transmission swaps, differentials, and even auto body rust repair." Costs for parts are the responsibility of the car owner. The work experience for the students is invaluable so there are no labor costs to the completed work.

Students often bring in their own vehicles, turning personal mechanical troubles into classroom lessons. Landon Churchill ‘26 noted that while class members frequently handle common issues like brake pads, rotors, and calipers, they often encounter more complex hurdles. For some, the most challenging aspect is mastering specific technical components they haven't seen before, such as learning the intricacies of drum brakes—a process that differs significantly from working on modern rotors and calipers.

This hands-on approach requires a strict adherence to safety and quality. In a professional shop, a mistake can be dangerous or costly, and the expectations at RAHS are no different. Anliker’s philosophy is simple, and as he said: "Do your best work every time."

Students are taught to check and recheck their work, often collaborating to ensure safety protocols are met. This peer-to-peer mentorship helps manage the varying skill levels in an advanced class. Anliker often pairs students who have proven their reliability with those who need more support, allowing the experienced students to step into leadership roles.

As a result, the shop functions as a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to be kind and help one another get the job done. This "family environment," as Blake Dorn ‘26 called it, “makes the shop a comfortable place to learn.”

Adrianna Licitar ‘26 said the comfortable working environment, described by her as “pretty chill and low key but professional,” is one in which Anliker provides a high level of freedom once the initial coursework is completed. This positive environment allows students to focus on hands-on troubleshooting on actual cars and trucks.

Beyond the "hard" skills of diagnostics and repair, the class places a heavy emphasis on the "soft" skills required in the modern workforce. Anliker insists on what he called, "clean language" and professionalism, viewing every interaction as a customer service training opportunity.

"Students get an opportunity to practice customer service skills when talking to staff or community members about the vehicle repair and what parts were replaced," Anliker said. Whether it is ordering components from a parts store or explaining a delay to a teacher, students learn that communication is just as vital as the mechanical work.

These lessons pay off. Over his two decades at RAHS, Anliker has built strong relationships with local dealerships and repair shops. Many former students now work at or own these local businesses, creating a pipeline for current students to enter the Youth Apprenticeship program.

The impact of the class often extends directly into the local workforce. Licitar shared that the program was instrumental in securing a Youth Apprenticeship as a mechanic at Reedsburg Car Care, noting that without this class, she likely wouldn't have a job right now. Jacob Coleman ‘26 highlighted how the course prepares students for the "real world" by emphasizing consistency and using the correct tools for every job, rather than just settling for "good enough." 

“Mr. Anliker makes sure we do the job right every single time,” said Coleman, who is aspiring to a career in the trades upon graduation.

Looking ahead, the shop is preparing for some changes as a result of the successful referendum in November 2024. Upcoming renovations will see the demolition of some office walls to create more workspace for small engine classes. Additionally, a new door will connect the shop to a classroom "flex space," allowing for more integrated instruction. However, Anliker notes that the main auto shop will remain "largely untouched," preserving the environment where students have learned to get their hands dirty and their skills sharp for over 20 years.

So while the facility may be getting a slight update, the core mission remains the same.

"I always want students to come out of Advanced Transportation with a sense of pride in their work," Anliker said, "and gain the selflessness to help others."