Whether it’s powering through a technical climb on the bike or troubleshooting a seemingly impossible electrical issue, Joe strives for perfection in everything he does. He enjoys a challenge. Because he knows that with hard-earned skills and determination, all things are possible.
I always had a curiosity about how things work. My toys were often disassembled into pieces in search of what made them work. Matchbox cars became a disappointment at some point, because the engines were fake and they lacked steering. So, my interest naturally progressed to more intricate plastic models. Then, eventually I was working with slots cars with real working motors and gears. I discovered that you can modify those cars with grippier tires, stronger magnets, different gearing, etc. When it came time to solve a Rubik’s Cube, I simply took it apart and reassembled it.
I enjoy seeing my students apply their skills during internships and witnessing the confidence they have in their new abilities. Having been at Penn College for over 10 years, I also have an opportunity to follow their long-term professional and personal successes. It’s fulfilling to see how they progress in their careers, purchase homes, and have families.
In car speak, go for a test drive. Don’t just look at the spec sheet and shiny paint, then make a quick decision. Come to campus and meet the students and the instructors. Spend a morning in lecture and lab with us. Go to lunch with the students and find out how this ‘thing’ really drives. For a long-term review, talk to the service manager of your local Honda or Acura dealership. This will help you get a feel for a career in the field.
We have an up-to-date curriculum and late-model vehicles from Honda to support this curriculum. We train on these vehicles vs off-the-shelf assemblies that don’t need to operate in the end. The quality of the lab work matters. All of our 25 vehicles start and drive. You won’t find any Flintstone vehicles in our Honda lab! Plus, students have an opportunity to cement their skills during five internship experiences during their five semesters on campus.
“I like to teach others how to do what I love to do. Whether it's in the lab or on the bike, there's something rewarding about helping others gain confidence in their skills."
When Joe Tavani travels, he likes to go off the beaten path. He did just that when he spent five days traveling over 200 miles through the Swiss Alps – on a mountain bike. Tavani likes adventure. But he is far more excited about the adventures to be had by his automotive technology students at Penn College and by the teens he teaches to mountain bike.