Four young men at the East Mesa Youth Detention Facility spent three months learning automotive repair using virtual reality before stepping into a real garage this week to apply their new skills alongside San Diego County mechanics. The program, which is run by the county’s probation department, aims to give youth hands-on training while they are in custody, according to a May 13 announcement.
The initiative combines technology with practical experience and is intended to help youth build job skills for their future. “This program is unique because it blends virtual reality with hands-on training,” said Supervising Probation Officer Eduardo Calderon. “Through our partnership with San Diego County Fleet Services, the youth can work on real fleet vehicles while in custody — an opportunity rarely offered in programs like this.”
During their session, County Fleet mechanic Geovanny Gallardo guided participants through vehicle safety inspections and maintenance procedures. He demonstrated tasks such as checking and reinstalling tires and encouraged the youths to document each step of the process. One participant said, “I’m trying to learn every trade I can now so that when I go home, I have options.” Another added, “It’s a work of passion for me. It’s a big responsibility, so I make sure I understand everything.”
Probation Officer Ricardo Macklem said he was proud of how far the students had come: “I feel honored to be part of this program,” Macklem said. “We’ve put in a lot of work to get here and they’re excited to learn.” County Fleet Services Chief David Fernandez said staff hope students see how virtual training connects directly with real-world maintenance work.
The automotive repair program is also available at Kearny Mesa Youth Transition Campus for both young women and men; classes will rotate time in the county garage. Other vocational offerings include fire academy, construction trades, culinary arts, health care assistance and more—programs designed to help youth earn certifications and access resources supporting future success.
San Diego County Government delivers essential services through groups focused on public safety, health and human services, land use and environment, finance and general government, community services as well as regional airports management according to the official website. The Board of Supervisors provides legislative leadership for these efforts.
