In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight a member who’s taking workforce development into their own hands — quite literally.
Driven Diagnostics, an advanced diagnostics and repair shop owned by Rich Willis, recently welcomed its first apprentice, Keegan Womack, into a thoughtfully built apprenticeship program. It’s a model born from a clear need, guided by intention, and shaped with the help of Chamber resources.
From Challenge to Opportunity: The Apprenticeship Spark
Like many in the skilled trades, Willis began noticing the shortage of qualified automotive technicians a few years ago. “What spurred all this was really the lack of qualified techs,” he explained. “We have a good training and education foundation, so we thought: let’s bring people in, give them real-world experience, and teach them the right way — before bad habits have a chance to form.”
Willis began exploring the apprenticeship concept in 2022 and officially launched the program in 2023. Recruiting from out-of-state schools proved challenging due to housing limitations and the cost of living. That’s when creative problem-solving — and a well-timed family connection — led him to Keegan Womack, a recent graduate of WyoTech. Keegan was hired in 2024 with the help of funding from West Slope Works, one of the Grand Junction Chamber’s flagship programs dedicated to supporting employers and fostering work-based learning opportunities across the Western Slope.
Womack had already built a strong educational foundation, studying everything from suspension systems to high-performance engine theory during his nine-month program. But he knew that hands-on, in-shop experience was the next step.
Turning Vision into Structure with Chamber Support
Through Chamber guidance, Driven Diagnostics was able to navigate and streamline the process of establishing an apprenticeship model. The support helped them design a program that meets both industry standards and individual growth goals.
Today, Keegan’s apprenticeship includes access to The Group Training Academy, a web-based learning platform that prepares technicians for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. He’ll choose which certifications to pursue, starting with the areas he’s most confident in — like brakes and suspensions — and expanding into more complex topics like electrical systems over time.
Fueling a Cycle of Growth
For Willis, the apprenticeship isn’t just about filling a position — it’s about long-term investment. “It’s been very good in many respects,” he said. “He’s done the training, he’s focused, and he wants to grow. That positive attitude spreads throughout the team. We thrive on that.”
From Keegan’s perspective, the experience has been transformative. “Back then, I could put some screws in a board,” he laughed. “Now, my mind wraps around this whole concept of how it all goes together, and what needs to happen to make something work. This experience has heightened my mechanical knowledge.”
Looking ahead, Keegan sees more than just a steady career — he sees a future where he’s giving back. “I feel like if I keep going on the track that I’m going, I’m going to be fine, and in five or ten years I’ll be teaching someone else everything I’ve learned from my time as an apprentice, and give it back to the next generation to keep the industry going.” Apprenticeships like the one at Driven Diagnostics don’t just fill today’s workforce needs — they help build a sustainable ecosystem of learning, mentorship, and continuous skill development. By investing in one apprentice, businesses like Driven Diagnostics are investing in the future of the industry itself.
A Message to Other Employers
Willis encourages other business owners to consider the apprenticeship route — with a realistic mindset. “Don’t be scared. It’s a lot of work and requires a lot of forethought,” he said. “You have to break it into stages and be available to coach. The worst thing you can do is just throw someone in. You have to invest time.”
Driven Diagnostics’ apprenticeship program exemplifies how businesses can take initiative to address workforce challenges while supporting individual growth. It’s also a reminder that with the right support and a little innovation, the talent we need might be closer than we think.
Happy National Apprenticeship Day — and hats off to Driven Diagnostics for helping drive the future of the industry.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions or inquiries regarding developing or maintaining an apprenticeship program in your business!