OFTC’s Charles Perez Turns a Love of Cars Into a Career

There’s a certain satisfaction in figuring out what’s wrong with a car — especially when you know how to fix it. 

For Charles Perez, that satisfaction started as an interest in working with cars and grew into a career in automotive technology. After graduating from high school, Perez enrolled at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC), where he spent his time in the Automotive Technology program developing hands-on skills, diagnosing problems and learning to work on a variety of vehicles. 

“I chose OFTC because I knew I wanted to gain hands-on experience working with cars, and it was an affordable and accessible option for me,” Perez said. 

“I wanted the knowledge and ability to fix my own car and the opportunity to help others along the way,” he added. 

From Student to Automotive Tech 

As a student, the hands-on experience in OFTC’s Automotive Technology program played an important role in Perez’s learning. 

“Every day we were in the lab practicing the skills we were learning about with our own hands,” Perez said. “It was interesting to test out certain issues on a car and then go through the steps we had learned for how to fix it.” 

Perez graduated with his diploma in Automotive Technology in 2021. After graduation, he continued building his skills while working in the automotive field. 

Coming Full Circle 

But his OFTC story didn’t end at graduation. 

Perez returned to OFTC’s Automotive Technology program as an adjunct instructor in spring 2026, helping students gain the same hands-on experience that prepared him for his own future. 

Returning to OFTC gave Perez an opportunity to take what he’d learned as a student and use it to help others. As an adjunct instructor, he helps students develop their hands-on skills, understand safety protocols and work through projects in the lab. 

“Part of my responsibilities includes educating new students about the hands-on experience and safety protocols,” Perez said. “I enjoy being able to assist the students with their projects and help them accomplish their goals for the program.” 

For Perez, returning to OFTC wasn’t simply a chance to teach automotive skills. It was an opportunity to give back to the college and the program that helped him get started. 

“I strive to help others and lend a helping hand because I enjoy doing so,” Perez said. 

Helping the Next Generation 

Perez’s experience at OFTC gave him more than technical skills. He also valued the relationships he built and the connections he made along the way. 

“Looking back, the best part of my experience at OFTC was getting to meet new people, make new connections and develop new skills,” Perez said. 

Those experiences continue to shape the way Perez approaches his work with students. He wants others to know that OFTC provides the support, flexibility and accessibility students need as they work toward their career goals. 

Today, Perez continues to sharpen his skills as automotive technology evolves, working with both older and newer vehicles while sharing what he’s learned with OFTC students. 

For him, it’s a continuation of his own journey — only now, he’s helping others get started. 

For more information about OFTC’s Automotive Technology program, visit OFTC.edu. 

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