Meet a Young Tech: Trevor Gamble
Key Highlights
- Trevor’s early passion for automotive classics inspired his hands-on learning in his uncle’s restoration shop.
- He gained industry experience through tire and suspension shops, broadening his understanding of vehicle systems.
- Enrolling at SAM Tech provided him with technical skills that complemented his practical experience, preparing him for a professional role.
- His work at Ford combines mechanical expertise with advanced diagnostic technology, reflecting industry innovation.
- Trevor emphasizes the importance of punctuality, attention to detail, and hard work in achieving career success.
Trevor Gamble's journey through the automotive industry reads like a roadmap of hands-on learning. From his uncle's restoration shop to a Ford dealership, this student at the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology has built his expertise one shop at a time, driven by a fascination that started in childhood.
Trevor's passion for automotive technology began early. "Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by classics and the innovation in the auto industry," he says. That fascination turned into a deep dive into automotive history, tracing the evolution from carburetors to throttle body injection and modern direct injection systems.
His hands-on education started in his uncle's restoration shop, where classic vehicles became his classroom. "It all began working in my uncle's restoration shop and seeing the classics and falling in love with them," Trevor recalls. He took his time with each vehicle, examining every component from an engineering perspective and building a foundation that would serve him throughout his career.
That curiosity led him to a tire shop, where he got his first glimpse of the broader automotive industry. From there, he moved to a suspension shop, discovering the creativity and innovation of the aftermarket world. "There are some things I never would have thought of, and they're so amazing to me," he says.
As his understanding of vehicles grew, so did his questions. Wanting to understand engines more deeply, Trevor enrolled at SAM Tech in Houston. "I saw what the engines of today have to offer for reliability and horsepower, and I learn something every day with them," he shares. The program provided the technical training he needed to complement his practical experience.
His diverse shop experience paid off when Ford hired him as a technician. Now Trevor works at the intersection of computer technology and mechanical systems—technology he describes as something "my great-grandfather couldn't even fathom." The combination of classroom learning at SAM Tech and professional work at Ford gives him a complete picture of modern automotive service.
Trevor's path from basic maintenance knowledge to professional technician happened through consistent effort and attention to detail. "I went from basic maintenance know-how to full-blown obsession just because I got inspired by my dad to join the mechanical industry," he explains. What started as working on his old Silverado has evolved into a career working alongside winning race cars.
His approach to learning demonstrates the value of working while attending school. Each shop taught him different aspects of the industry: restoration work taught him appreciation for craftsmanship, tire and suspension work showed him the aftermarket industry, and his position at Ford exposes him to cutting-edge diagnostic technology. His time at SAM Tech ties it all together with the theoretical knowledge that makes sense of what he sees in the shop every day.
Trevor credits his success to fundamental principles: showing up on time, paying attention to details, and working hard. He's grateful for the employers who gave him opportunities to learn and grow in the industry.
His journey from his uncle's shop to a Ford dealership shows how curiosity combined with a willingness to learn in different environments can build a strong foundation for a career in automotive technology. Students like Trevor, who actively seek diverse experiences while pursuing formal education, often develop well-rounded skills that serve them throughout their careers.
For Trevor, the automotive industry represents more than just a job—it's a continuation of learning about innovation that spans generations, from the engineering achievements of past decades to the computer-integrated systems of today. His enthusiasm for understanding how things work, combined with hands-on experience across multiple shop environments, positions him well for whatever comes next in automotive technology.
TechForce receives more than 12,000 applications from students with deep financial need each year. In 2025 alone, TechForce awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and grants. While this is an impressive sum of awards, it's still only awarding one in every seven applicants. We need more donations to help more students obtain the technical training required to be workforce-ready.