By Jason Chandler
In an industry searching for the next generation of skilled craftsmen, the Lost Angels Career Center is answering the call. Founded by Aaron Valencia in Lancaster, California, this nonprofit organization is transforming lives through its 12-week, paid vocational training program—blending classic car restoration with workforce development.
Focused on young adults aged 18–24, many of whom come from high-barrier or underserved backgrounds, Lost Angels is more than a shop class—it’s a life-changing launchpad into careers in the automotive aftermarket, aerospace, and beyond. In this Q&A, Aaron shares how classic cars are shaping futures, building confidence, and fueling the next wave of talent in our industry.
Q: Can you tell us what the Lost Angels Career Center is all about?
Aaron: We’re a 12-week vocational training program focused on classic car restoration. We serve young adults ages 18–24—mostly high-barrier or low-income youth—and teach them the hands-on, real-world skills needed in the automotive aftermarket, as well as aerospace and manufacturing. Our curriculum includes everything from mechanical work and welding to carbon fiber fabrication and design through CAD and CNC software.
Q: What makes your program different from traditional trade training?
Aaron: We pay our students $18/hour to learn, and that creates immediate investment and accountability. But more than that, we teach them how to be professionals—no phones on the floor, no swearing, show up on time or don’t come at all. It’s real-world structure, paired with real-world opportunities. We create an environment that builds confidence, self-respect, and pride in your work.
Q: Why use classic cars as the core of your curriculum?
Aaron: Cars are the hook. Everyone wants to work on something cool—Camaro, Impala, drift builds—it gets them excited. But the lessons transfer: reading a tape measure, welding, fabrication, engine assembly—those skills are relevant whether you're working on hot rods, aerospace assemblies, or advanced composites. Cars give the training meaning and relevance.
Q: What are some recent projects your students have worked on?
Aaron: Right now we’re building a widebody 1968 Camaro to debut at SEMA. Auto Metal Direct came through in a big way and provided us with nearly the entire exterior sheet metal. The students are doing everything—bodywork, welding, CAD, CNC machining, carbon fiber molding. It's a real-world team effort, and this project has opened doors to sponsorships from Blueprint, Magnuson, RideTech, Wilwood, and more.
Q: What’s the graduation rate like, and where do students go after the program?
Aaron: We graduate about 97% of our students. Around 95% go straight into jobs—mostly in aerospace and automotive. Employers call us asking for people, and we adapt our training to meet demand. One company called asking if we teach soldering—so we started teaching soldering the next day. We’re flexible, fast, and focused on results.
Q: Beyond the hands-on training, how else do you prepare students for life and work?
Aaron: We hold weekly “adulting” classes—budgeting, professionalism, resume building, interview practice, how to rent your first apartment, how to work with roommates. Many of these young people never had someone show them how to do basic life skills. We don’t just build workers—we build adults.
Q: Why do you think this work matters to the automotive aftermarket?
Aaron: The trades are starving for talent. For years we pushed everyone toward college and let shop classes die. We’re filling the gap—and it’s working. The industry needs skilled, passionate, dependable talent. Our students are showing up ready. Companies like Auto Metal Direct are seeing the value of investing in that next generation.
Q: What would you say to companies looking to support youth-focused workforce development?
Aaron: Get involved. Partner with programs like ours. Donate parts, visit the shop, offer mentorship or internships. Help us show young people that this world is not just for people with money or connections—it’s for anyone willing to work for it. The impact is real. These students are the future of our industry.
Q: How can SEMA members get involved with Lost Angels Career Center?
Aaron: SEMA members can get involved by collaborating with us on real-world builds, offering mentorship, sponsoring tools or materials, or even helping place our graduates into industry jobs. We’re always looking to partner with brands and individuals who believe in creating hands-on opportunities for the next generation.
Contact Information:
If you’re interested in working together, you can learn more at www.LostAngelsCP.org or follow us on social media @LostAngelsCareerCenter.
For direct contact:
Aaron Valencia – Founder & Executive Director – aaron@lostangelscp.org
Wilton Tran – Media & Outreach – wilton@lostangelscp.org