BELOIT, Wis. -- People in Rock County working for suppliers to the Janesville General Motors assembly plant have been feeling the trickle down effects of the closure.

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As questions surround the U.S. auto industry, the impact on those who fix American cars is unknown.

WISC-TV asked students and teachers taking part in a unique program in the Beloit School District about their outlook for the future.

For half the school day, for two and a half years, students in the program learn the ins and outs of the auto industry. It's the students' first step toward a career.

"I plan to go to college in Ohio to be a technician," said Thomas Landwehr, a high school junior enrolled in the Eclipse Center for Automotive Technology.

On Thursday afternoon, the students didn't work on vehicles but rather celebrated their achievements. The Eclipse Center for Automotive Technology on Thursday became the only secondary school in the state to receive Master Certification in all eight categories laid out by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

"It's not something really big to worry about, because there will always be cars, and there will always be something that we would be useful for," said Brandon Laidig, who is in his first year of the program.

The fate of Ford, Chrysler, and GM will likely have an impact on these students' futures.

But instructor Pete Raskovic said he thinks auto technicians will continue to be valuable, even if the automakers fold.

"When the economy is good, we're selling a lot of cars and everyone's making money. When the economy's bad, people are keeping their cars. We're repairing them and making a lot of money. So, while things have tapered off, it's a little slower. But it's a great industry. We're always busy," said Raskovic.

The students in the program said they know their future might be focused on foreign cars.

"It's kind of hard to learn. It takes a long time to learn all the parts, the computers, every little part of the car. It's complicated, but you can deal with it," said Landwehr.

When they graduate high school and college, the auto market will certainly be different. The students said they hope the work they enjoy will last.

"It's not all about just working. You have to have a little bit of fun and stay interested in what you're doing," said Landwehr.

The biggest challenge could be a flood of workers. If dealerships go out of business, experienced technicians will be looking for some of the same work as the students are preparing for.