Kaydon VanBriesen has never been one to sit still. The classroom has never felt quite right to him—not because he isn’t capable, but because he thrives in environments where he can see, feel, and build something real. He’s drawn to hands-on work, to the process of breaking things down, fixing them, and putting them back together. And now, as a senior at Byron High School, he’s already turning that passion into a career.

Kaydon works at a Peterbilt truck dealership, where he spends his days learning the ins and outs of diesel mechanics. He may still be young, but he’s already had the chance to assist on some major projects—including an engine overhaul, one of the biggest jobs in the shop.

“They don’t let me do everything yet because I’m still learning,” he admitted. “But I’ve helped with some pretty big jobs.”

For someone who has always been fascinated by how things work, getting hands-on experience in the industry before even graduating high school is a dream opportunity.

His time at Peterbilt has introduced him to the complexity of diesel engines, working on massive Cummins, Paccar, and Caterpillar engines, each one measuring 15 liters or more, with cylinders the size of coffee cans.

“You need an A-frame hoist just to pull them out,” he said. “It’s not like working on a little car engine.”

For Kaydon, this work isn’t just a job—it’s a glimpse into his future.

His father was a diesel mechanic, and though he’s now in a supervisory role at an airport maintenance division, he played a big role in inspiring Kaydon’s path.

“My dad always taught me about trucks,” Kaydon said. “I used to help him work on his, and that’s how I got interested in it. So when I got this job offer, I knew I had to take it.”

He’s grateful for the early opportunity, and he knows that it’s setting him up for a strong career in the trades.

Kaydon’s journey through high school has been shaped by a focus on automotive and technical education. He has taken every auto class Byron offers, progressing from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and engine performance.

“In Auto 1, you start with the basics—brakes, oil changes, small repairs,” he explained. “Auto 2 is all about electrical systems. By the time you get to Auto 3 and 4, you’re working on drive trains and engine performance.”

But Kaydon hasn’t just stopped at the courses offered at Byron. He has also traveled to Oregon High School to take welding classes, where only five students from Byron are given the opportunity each year.

His welding teacher, Mr. McMillan, has been a big influence, helping him develop the precision and skill necessary for metalwork—a skill that could open even more doors for him in the future.

“I think welding is a great trade to have,” Kaydon said. “If I decide to go that route, I’d probably get into pipeline welding, because that’s where the money is.”

Whether it’s diesel mechanics or welding, Kaydon sees himself working in the trades. He believes that more people should consider this path instead of automatically going to college.

“There are so many jobs out there where you don’t need a four-year degree,” he said. “I wish more people realized that the trades offer just as many opportunities—and sometimes, even better pay.”

Outside of work and school, Kaydon is deeply involved in FFA, where he has competed at the state and national level.

He has done livestock judging, poultry judging, and has shown cattle for other farms. Last year, his team placed seventh in the nation at a competition in Denver.

“That was a really cool experience,” he said. “FFA isn’t just about farming—it’s about leadership, teamwork, and learning skills that can help in a lot of different careers.”

Though he no longer plays football or baseball, sports that were once part of his high school life, he has shifted his focus toward work and skill-building. He enjoys hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers, and dirt biking—and if he does pursue pipeline welding, he sees those hobbies fitting perfectly into his future.

“I’d love to travel, work, and have the chance to hunt and fish in new places,” he said. “That’s something that really appeals to me.”

As for what comes next, Kaydon is considering two strong options for his diesel mechanic training.

“I think I’ll either go to Wyotech or Kishwaukee College,” he said. “Both have solid programs, and I want to keep learning as much as I can.”

Regardless of which path he chooses, one thing is certain—he’s ready for the future.

Kaydon VanBriesen isn’t just planning to enter the workforce—he’s already in it. He’s gaining experience, honing his skills, and preparing to build a future where his hands create real results.

While many of his classmates are still figuring out their next steps, he already knows exactly where he belongs.

And whether he’s under the hood of a semi-truck, welding pipeline joints, or fixing an engine bigger than a car, he’ll be doing what he loves—working with his hands, solving problems, and making things run better than before.