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Education/training

Jumpstarting a career in automechanics

Beginning an apprenticeship program while still in high school has given a Toronto student a jumpstart on a career he has dreamed of since he was just a young boy.

LINDA WHITE

[ 2002-06-05 ]

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"Co-op is a good way to figure out what you want to do," says OYAP student Ashley Bickram (left), pictured here receiving instruction from licenced automotive technician Tony Noumtinis.

"It's been the one constant in my life," Ashley Bickram, 17, says of his love of auto mechanics. "I've been tinkering with cars and electronic stuff for as long as I can remember."

Today, Bickram is doing much more than just tinkering. He has registered with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which will allow him to translate his hobby into a career sooner than if he waited to begin training upon graduation from high school.

OYAP gives students a chance to earn credits toward their high school diploma, while the hours they work on a job are applied to journeyperson certification in a skilled trade. At the same time, they have a chance to earn a salary and receive financial assistance towards the purchase of tools and clothing required for their trade.

"I need to get so many hours, this at least gives me a start," says Bickram, who has been working at Cosburn Auto Centre in Toronto since November, attending classes at East York Collegiate Institute every other day.

His placement duties include changing oil, rotating tires and helping out on bigger jobs like replacing head gaskets. He's also learning about the evolving role of computers in the industry.

"It feels really comfortable, really natural," says Bickram, who'd like to have his own shop one day. "Co-op is a good way to figure out what you want to do. If it's something you want to follow up, that's a bonus."

His co-op and career studies teacher agrees. "Kids who discover what they want to do (through a placement) have a path to follow," says Freda Cesta. "It's like having an albatross lifted off their shoulders. Even those who have a change of heart have learned. I tell students that knowing what you don't want to do gets you one step closer to what you do want to do."

The rewards of a job placement are immeasurable, Cesta says.

"When you work at an apprenticeship placement, you chalk up an excessive number of hours," Cesta says. "It's great that students are getting recognition for that -- not just a pat on the back, but a certificate. At the same time, they're getting real hands-on training."

Students also gain important insight into the work world. "Students in my co-op classes have matured exponentially," Cesta says. "That's not a criticism of students who don't take co-op, but a reflection of being exposed to another world."

She's pleased with the number of employers committed to the future of students. "Our employers are genuinely concerned about the kids," says Cesta, pointing to Cosburn Auto Body as an example.

Each year, the shop takes on a handful of co-op students. "Co-op is an excellent program," says Tony Noumtinis, licensed automotive technician and co-op supervisor.

"Students get a chance to learn and we get a chance to teach them," he says. "About half the kids are sure it's something they want to get into before they even walk in the door. The other half is just exploring. It gives them a chance to see what it's really like."

Education requirements

Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.

Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace to ensure it meets secondary school credit requirements.

To receive their high school diploma, students must still complete all compulsory credits.

Apprenticeship requirements

Students must be placed with a qualified employer.

Students must follow an on-the-job training program based on the specific standards for the trade. They may also receive related theoretical instruction.