Drive-thru conversation leads to Reno County's first automotive internship

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A chance encounter at a McDonald's drive-thru window has grown into a career-launching opportunity — and a first-of-its-kind internship program for Reno County.

Hayden Bontrager, a second-year automotive technology student at Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy, was working his shift at McDonald's when he struck up a conversation with Reno County Automotive Director Ron Brubaker. Bontrager asked if the county had any internship openings.

It didn't. But it does now.

"I was looking for an internship because I wanted that hands-on experience, and I wanted to learn from a real mechanic," Bontrager said.

Brubaker took the inquiry seriously. He worked with Reno County Human Resources and HCTEA to build a program from scratch — the department's first. Bontrager applied and was brought on board roughly a year ago.

"This was a first-time adventure for us, and it's worked out well," Brubaker said.

Since joining the county fleet shop, Bontrager has moved well beyond the basics. He started with oil changes, brakes and tires before advancing to engine repairs, differential work and hybrid battery component replacements. He also works alongside county automotive technicians — including Derrick Hull — on vehicles such as Reno County Sheriff's Office patrol units.

The internship is structured to reflect industry expectations. Bontrager has been using inspection sheets from Midwest Superstore — where he plans to work after earning his certification — to familiarize himself with professional workflows before he ever punches in full-time.

Reno County Automotive partners with HCTEA to keep students enrolled in the program through the completion of their certification. The department also helps connect graduates with automotive careers after finishing their training.

For Bontrager, the past year has meant both technical growth and a clearer sense of direction heading into his next chapter.