Sydnee Patman has become the first student from Midland Independent School District (MISD) to earn her Toyota auto certification through Toyota’s Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN).
According to a Midland ISD news release, the Legacy High School senior achieved this milestone by participating in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) auto tech program, which offers dual credit through Midland College. The T-TEN program is designed to develop factory-certified technicians for Toyota and Lexus dealerships.
"I’ve always loved working on cars and this program has given me the skills and confidence to turn that passion into a career," Patman said. "I enjoy the hands-on work, whether it’s diagnostics or oil changes, and I’m excited about what’s ahead." She added that her teacher, Norman Cremeans, played a pivotal role in her journey. "I’m glad he’s my teacher," she said. "He explains things in a way high schoolers can understand."
Patman plans to work as a technician at Lithia Toyota in Odessa while pursuing an associate degree in applied science from Midland College. Refining her automotive knowledge is crucial to her, and she credits the T-TEN program for the opportunity to earn certifications, including the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification and Toyota Certified Technician credentials. The news release noted that several other students are on track to complete their T-TEN certification by the end of the year.