Shamar recently completed an internship with DPS’s Transportation Services in the mechanic workshop, and will now work as a full-time Technician 1 Mechanic. Shamar found out about the internship through his father, Sherrod Washington, who also works in Transportation Services. 

Sherrod says watching his son begin a career at DPS is meaningful and rewarding for their family. 

"It's pretty cool seeing him thrive somewhere that me and his mom have built a career out of," Sherrod said. “I think he's going to pave the way for other young people to come back and do the same thing. He shows students that returning to work for Durham Public Schools is possible and that success can start right here."

Shamar’s mother, Deona Washington, also works in DPS’s transportation department. Currently an interim area manager, Deona previously worked as a bus driver, and two years ago, she made headlines by rescuing 28 students from a bus right before it went up in flames.

During his internship, Shamar gained hands-on experience by completing major repairs and maintenance projects on school buses, including brake jobs, coolant system repairs, air fitting replacements, and oil leak repairs. His supervisors said that his attention to detail, willingness to learn, and commitment to safety, quickly made him a valuable member of the team.

"I learned that I am very careful with my work," Shamar said. "I would rather ask a million questions than make a costly mistake. I want a career that I enjoy and one that allows me to feel good about the work I accomplish at the end of each day."

One of his favorite memories came early in the internship when he was assigned a preventative maintenance service on a bus.

“I was kind of nervous, and my mentor Q went on lunch, but I took my time, and when he came back, he checked it and everything I did was correct,” Shamar said. “That's when I realized that I actually liked what I was doing because I was learning and retaining everything.”

Shamar said he hopes his story will encourage other students within DPS to explore opportunities that they may not have considered before.

"Try as much as possible because you never know what you'll like," he said. "I was never interested in mechanical work, but I fell in love with it and had fun doing it. Don't limit yourself to things you think you can't do because you can do anything you put your mind to. Just do it." 

In addition to internships like Shamar’s, Durham Public Schools offers a variety of Career and Technical Education pathways that allow students to explore different career options and build practical skills. 

With guidance from Sheena Brooks, a Riverside Career Development Coordinator, students like Shamar have access to the CTE programs offered. 

“These programs provide students with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.” Brooks said.  “Through CTE, students apply academic instruction with hands-on, employer-driven work experiences. Students build employability skills, earn academic credit, and gain industry specific knowledge before graduation.”

Northern High School and the Southern School of Energy and Sustainability both offer an automotive pathway that allows students to get hands-on experience in mechanical work and to earn certifications that will accelerate their career after graduation. There are 13 CTE Career Clusters across Durham Public Schools that range from business and finance to engineering to culinary arts. Each of the five comprehensive high schools has one or more CTE pathways.

While reflecting back on his years as a DPS student, Shamar describes his experience as both positive, supportive, and a smooth ride (no pun intended).

“It was great," he said. "I do want to shout out Mrs. Emory. She was one of the best teachers I've ever had. She taught me from kindergarten through first grade at Hillandale Elementary. She really helped instill confidence in me."

The district that helped launch his future is the same district that he will serve and begin his career. His journey from student to full-time mechanic is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and relevant programming that prepares students for the future.

Congratulations to Shamar as he begins this exciting new chapter with DPS! #WeAreDPS