Four young men at the East Mesa Youth Detention Facility spent three months learning automotive repair through virtual reality before applying those skills in a real San Diego County garage, according to a May 13 announcement from the county. This week, they worked alongside county mechanics to help maintain fleet vehicles.
The program is designed to provide hands-on training and practical experience for youth in custody, aiming to prepare them for future employment opportunities after release. Supervising Probation Officer Eduardo Calderon said, “This program is unique because it blends virtual reality with hands-on training. 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 led the group through vehicle safety inspections and annual preventative service tasks. He demonstrated procedures such as checking and reinstalling tires and encouraged participants to document their work. One participant said he is exploring multiple trades while in custody: “I’m trying to learn every trade I can now so that when I go home, I have options.” Another young man shared his interest: “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 feels honored by the progress made by the participants. “We’ve put in a lot of work to get here and they’re excited to learn,” Macklem said. County Fleet Services Chief David Fernandez said staff hope students will see how virtual training connects with real maintenance work.
The automotive 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 programs offered by San Diego County Probation include fire academy, construction, culinary arts, health care assistance, and more—helping youth build skills and earn certifications that support future success.
San Diego County Government delivers essential services across urban, rural, mountain, and desert regions through groups focused on public safety; health and human services; land use; finance; general government; community services; historic preservation initiatives; legislative leadership provided by its Board of Supervisors with Sarah Aghassi serving as interim chief administrative officer—all managed from landmarks such as the Administration Center—according to the official website.
