June 12, 2026

Success often begins with a spark of inspiration. For Elvi Basilio-Saucedo, that spark came at an early age while watching his brother work on cars. What began as admiration soon evolved into a passion for the automotive industry and a desire to build a career centered on craftsmanship, problem-solving and continuous learning.

That passion, combined with dedication and hard work, has led Elvi to national recognition. As a student in Forsyth Tech’s Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program and Work-Based Learning (WBL) Internship Program, he has been named the recipient of the 2026 Cooperative Education & Internship Association (CEIA) Two-Year Student Achievement Award. 

The CEIA Student Achievement Award is one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement through work-integrated learning experiences. Elvi’s selection for this national award highlights not only his technical abilities, but also his commitment to professional growth, leadership and career readiness. The award comes with a cash prize and a plaque presented at the awards banquet at the annual CEIA conference.

In addition, Elvi was was awarded the Forsyth Tech 2025 Work-Based Learning (WBL) Student of the Year award and the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA)’s 2025 William D. Weston WBL Student of the Year award.

Elvi did his internship with Flow Luxury Paint and Body in Winston-Salem. Reflecting on the experience, Elvi shared that the internship taught him much more than repair techniques. He gained valuable lessons in professionalism, teamwork and the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic. Most importantly, the experience gave him the confidence to succeed in the collision repair industry. The impact Elvi made during his internship did not go unnoticed. Kyle Renegar, Elvi’s supervisor at Flow Luxury Paint and Body praised Elvi’s intelligence, strong work ethic, teamwork and dedication to mastering his craft. As a result of Elvi’s contributions to the organization, Renegar hired Elvi full time when he graduated. Elvi’s achievements serve as a powerful example of how WBL can transform a student’s educational experience and career trajectory.

For many students like Elvi, WBL experiences lead to expanded career opportunities and in some cases, result in employment after graduation. By combining academics with hands-on experience, Forsyth Tech’s WBL program helps students graduate with both the knowledge and experience needed to be competitive in today’s workforce. Interested in knowing more about WBL? Come see us at the Strickland Center, Suite 2384 (Career Services & Experiential Learning Suite) or email: WBL@forsythtech.edu.