Student Experience: Rodney Hinkle

“A few months out of high school, I found out about the motorcycle, small-engine and marine courses offered at Cedar Valley. In my early childhood, my father had a custom bike-building shop, which allowed me to become familiar with repairing bikes. I also took a small engine class in school, which helped equip me with the skills I needed to repair small engines. 

“I felt it would be to my benefit to take the marine course offered at Cedar Valley since I enjoyed being around the outdoors and water as well. After completing the course, I received a certificate on Evinrude/Johnson outboard engines. I was able to get a job quickly at the marina Texas Hydro Sports, where I repaired personal watercraft for 10 years and also attended Sea-Doo courses that allowed me to become certified in Sea-Doo repair. 

“I was ready to move on to a more challenging career and took a position at Kawasaki City of Dallas. I have been with Kawasaki City for 11 years now, and in my job, I repair personal watercraft, motorcycles and ATVs. I have also received several Kawasaki certificates as well. 

“I truly believe that I am where I am today because of the basic skills I acquired at Cedar Valley 21 years ago to launch my career.”  Rodney Hinkle earned a certificate in Marine Technology from Cedar Valley.

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