Building Careers: One Hire at a Time

By Ryan Treible with Sustainability

In the heart of Roxbury, Madison Park Technical Vocational School has long served as a launchpad for students pursuing skilled trades. Through a deepening partnership with Northeastern University’s Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) division, twelve Madison Park students are now gaining hands on experiences across a variety of departments, opening doors to real-world opportunities and future career paths.  

For many of the students, it’s more than just a co-op; it’s building confidence and experience that’s both eye-opening and affirming, helping them envision a future in their chosen careers.  

This year, we glimpse into Northeastern’s Auto Shop, where students are learning firsthand what it means to be part of a professional team.  

Inside the shop, students are treated like team members, not interns. On any given day, they assist with oil changes, tire services, golf cart maintenance, diagnostics, or on-campus deliveries. “You do the work and you feel like an adult,” says Leury Falcon, Madison Park student, “you’re treated like a key part of the team.” 

Juan Perez, another Madison Park student with the auto team, noted that the lessons learned here have taught him more than just vehicle repair. “It’s not just fixing cars,” he said. “It’s showing up on time, being prepared, doing what you need to do without having to be told. That discipline prepares you for whatever’s next.”

At the center of this program in the Auto Shop is Paul Freitas, Northeastern’s Chief Mechanic, who has mentored Madison Park students regularly for years and views this program as a chance to prepare these students for more than just a job. “They don’t come in with a lot of experience, but they leave here with a great basis if they are looking to pursue a career.” Freitas said. “And more importantly, they gain confidence.” 

Beautiful Smith, a current Madison Park student in the program, reflects upon this opportunity as a meaningful milestone. “Since our freshman year, the goal has always been to get co-op. She said, “You go to school, but you also work. We were thankful enough to get the opportunity to be here.” 

That gratitude is met with enthusiasm from the Auto Shop’s full-time staff. For Freitas, it’s about giving students the tools that they can carry with them the rest of their lives no matter where they go. “Even if they don’t become mechanics, they know how to change a tire, speak to a service tech, and not get taken advantage of.” He’s seen the students take the skills they’ve learned and apply them in real-life scenarios. “I had a kid tell me once, ‘If I didn’t learn this here, I would’ve gotten screwed at the dealership,’” Freitas recalled. “That stuff makes a difference.” 

Much of the program’s success can be traced back to one early success story: Louis Campos. Now a full-time electrical trades apprentice, Campos was the first Madison Park student selected for the co-op and the first to be hired full-time. 

“When I started, it was hard,” Campos said. “There were so many tools, and every tool has a different name and purpose. English isn’t my first language, which made things hard. But I just paid attention and kept watching what people were doing.” He credits the team with helping him grow. “Everybody helps. If you want to learn, they’ll support you.” 

Campos says he’s grateful for the path he took. “I don’t have any complaints about my job because I like it,” he said. “If you like it, you pay attention, you try, and it gets easier.” 

Now, years into his role, Campos is a mentor himself. “I’ve been here longer than most of the new guys,” he said. “Sometimes the teachers from my old high school come by and point to me, like, ‘Look at him, he stuck with it.’ That makes me feel good.” 

The electrical shop continues to welcome new Madison Park students year after year, and Louis is there to help them every step of the way.  

With a wave of experienced tradespeople nearing retirement, programs like this are more than just a pipeline; they’re essential. “It’s about building skills, yes,” Freitas said, “but it’s also about showing these students that there’s a place for them in this work, and they belong here.” 

For many students, that mentorship becomes personal and makes a lasting impact. Falcon explains that the experience has helped him envision a more ambitious path forward. “I want to own my own shop,” he said. “I want to have something that’s mine.” 

As Northeastern continues to invest in the community, the partnership with Madison Park stands as proof that a little access can go a long way. For students like Campos, Smith, Falcon, and Perez, this is more than a co-op. It’s the first step toward something lasting. 

Written by Ryan Treible, May 8th, 2025