Two Macomb grads make mark as first female techs at local dealership
Friday, June 26, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Two recent Macomb grads were the first females to work as technicians at a local dealership
- The GM ASEP automotive program provides classroom and real-world experience
Alexandria Holk and Paige Jewett, recent graduates of the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP), broke new ground when they became the first female technicians at Moran Chevrolet in Clinton Township.
The GM ASEP program is a 19-month, hands-on training experience that combines classroom learning with real-world work at GM-approved dealerships, including Moran Chevrolet.
“It gives you a sense of confidence, knowing we’ve really made a mark,” Alexandria said.
Driven by discovery
Although proud to be among the first female technicians, Alexandria’s journey into the field wasn’t always clear. However, that changed during her senior year of high school when she took an auto class and discovered a passion that would shape her future. Alexandria’s teacher connected her with the GM ASEP program, which she completed in the spring.
In the GM ASEP program, students gain hands-on experience in both the classroom and at the dealership. The immersive program prepares students to work on everything from advanced automotive systems to hybrid technologies.
For Alexandria, a turning point came when she disassembled and rebuilt a transmission. “From that moment on, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she said.
A hands-on calling
Similarly, Paige discovered her passion for working under the hood through the GM ASEP program. Like Alexandria, she spent years searching for a career path that felt like the right fit.
Paige served in the Navy, where much of her work was rooted in theory rather than hands-on results. Although rewarding, she longed for more hands-on work, especially after finding joy in fixing up her dad’s car as a hobby. After leaving the service, she decided to pursue automotive work professionally.
Through the GM ASEP program, Paige has embraced the technical and hands-on nature of the field. She said she’s fascinated by how vehicles work and enjoys diagnosing issues.
“The idea that an engine operates through controlled explosions is genuinely interesting,” she said.
Breaking barriers
Both Paige and Alexandria acknowledge that getting started in a male-dominated field can be intimidating. However, they found support from instructors, coworkers and mentors helped them build confidence and reinforce that they belonged in the field.
“I was always told that I was capable and that I could do these things,” Paige said. “Once you have people who believe in you, like I did here, it just gets easier.”
Because of the skills, support and confidence from Macomb at their time in the GM ASEP program at Moran Chevrolet, both ladies intend to continue to break barriers in the automotive field.
Paige’s long-term goal is to open a do-it-yourself garage where mechanics of all skill levels have the space to work on their vehicles. Alexandria aspires to work on high-performance automobiles.
To learn more about the GM ASEP program, please visit our webpage.
The GM ASEP program is a 19-month, hands-on training experience that combines classroom learning with real-world work at GM-approved dealerships, including Moran Chevrolet.
“It gives you a sense of confidence, knowing we’ve really made a mark,” Alexandria said.
Driven by discovery
Although proud to be among the first female technicians, Alexandria’s journey into the field wasn’t always clear. However, that changed during her senior year of high school when she took an auto class and discovered a passion that would shape her future. Alexandria’s teacher connected her with the GM ASEP program, which she completed in the spring.
In the GM ASEP program, students gain hands-on experience in both the classroom and at the dealership. The immersive program prepares students to work on everything from advanced automotive systems to hybrid technologies.
For Alexandria, a turning point came when she disassembled and rebuilt a transmission. “From that moment on, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she said.
A hands-on calling
Similarly, Paige discovered her passion for working under the hood through the GM ASEP program. Like Alexandria, she spent years searching for a career path that felt like the right fit.
Paige served in the Navy, where much of her work was rooted in theory rather than hands-on results. Although rewarding, she longed for more hands-on work, especially after finding joy in fixing up her dad’s car as a hobby. After leaving the service, she decided to pursue automotive work professionally.
Through the GM ASEP program, Paige has embraced the technical and hands-on nature of the field. She said she’s fascinated by how vehicles work and enjoys diagnosing issues.
“The idea that an engine operates through controlled explosions is genuinely interesting,” she said.
Breaking barriers
Both Paige and Alexandria acknowledge that getting started in a male-dominated field can be intimidating. However, they found support from instructors, coworkers and mentors helped them build confidence and reinforce that they belonged in the field.
“I was always told that I was capable and that I could do these things,” Paige said. “Once you have people who believe in you, like I did here, it just gets easier.”
Because of the skills, support and confidence from Macomb at their time in the GM ASEP program at Moran Chevrolet, both ladies intend to continue to break barriers in the automotive field.
Paige’s long-term goal is to open a do-it-yourself garage where mechanics of all skill levels have the space to work on their vehicles. Alexandria aspires to work on high-performance automobiles.
To learn more about the GM ASEP program, please visit our webpage.