After two decades of hands-on experience in the field, the AIS Heavy Equipment instructor, Adam Dennany at the Allegan Tech Center is sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation. Having worked for 20 years as a Ford Technician, he earned multiple prestigious certifications during his career, including Michigan Master certification, ASE Master certification, and Ford Senior Master certification.
Reflecting on his transition from the garage to the classroom, he explains, “After all of those years as a technician, I felt I had built a wealth of knowledge in this area, and I should share it with the next generation coming into the workforce.” His decision to shift from industry to education was driven by the desire to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field of heavy equipment maintenance and repair.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of his role as a teacher is seeing his students succeed. “The most rewarding part is seeing one of my students have success in the area of work,” he says. However, teaching isn’t without its challenges. With students coming from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels, it can be difficult to provide the right level of support for everyone. “One of the largest challenges is working with so many students with different skill levels,” he shares. Despite this, his real-world experience helps him guide students through those hurdles. “I feel I bring a real-world approach to teaching. That will help the students to have success in this field,” he notes.
His role extends beyond the classroom as he sees his work as contributing to the broader community. “The best contribution we can give to our community is investing in the youth—they will be our next leaders,” he emphasizes. Skilled trades play a critical role in local economies and community well-being, and this instructor knows firsthand the challenges the industry faces. “The skilled trades are currently suffering due to a lack of interest and people entering them. This drives up the cost of these services and increases the time it takes to get them completed,” he explains.
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a career in his trade, his message is clear: “They need to have a passion for the career field they are entering. If they have a passion to work on machines or automobiles, then the opportunities and earning potential are endless.”
As a graduate of both Allegan High School and the Allegan Tech Center himself, this instructor is now giving back to the institution that helped him launch his career. His hope is to leave a lasting impact. “I hope to leave a positive impact on my students,” he says. Through his dedication to teaching, he is not only shaping the future of the skilled trades but also building a legacy that will benefit the local community for years to come.