Education/training
OYAP puts student on the road to successIt's a long road ahead, but learning something new every day keeps Gianfranco Cavaliere motivated as he moves steadily towards his goal of achieving his automotive technician licence. |
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 [ 2002-06-19 ] |
"My ultimate goal is to have my own shop," says the Central Technical School student. "But I have to take it one step at a time and that first step is getting my licence."
Cavaliere has had his sights set firmly on that career choice for years.
"I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in cars," says the 18-year-old. "I went to Central Tech because of its automotive program. I know this is what I want to do."
When he began his co-operative education placement, Cavaliere also registered with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. OYAP allows students to earn credits toward their high school diploma, while the hours they work on a job are applied to journey-person certification in a skilled trade. They also have a chance to earn a salary and receive financial assistance towards the purchase of necessary tools and clothing.
Though he will need to work 9,000 hours before he can write his automotive technician exam, Cavaliere is undaunted. "It seems like a lot, but you learn something new every day. Co-op is a foot in the door. It gives you an opportunity to see what the trade is all about and a chance to learn something. By the end, you'll know whether or not it's a career for you."
Cavaliere looks forward to showing up each day at his placement at West York Chev Old at St. Clair Avenue and Weston Road.
"I help out with anything that comes along," he says, excited about the challenges presented by newer vehicles.
"The level of intricacies in diagnosing problems is quite phenomenal," says his automotive/co-op education instructor, Tony Rende. "You almost need to get (tomorrow's technicians) started as early as possible."
Rende is pleased to see many students researching apprenticeships early in high school. "Students get direction from it. They're so hard-working, but they see a light at the end of the tunnel. They complete just a small chunk of the hours they'll need, but for them, the most important thing is that they're signed up and on their way."
Co-op also gives employers a chance to share their knowledge.
"It gives us an opportunity to have a look at students for six months. From there we may employ them," says Claudio Molinaro, service manager at the shop where Cavaliere works.
Students are made to feel welcome.
"Seventy to 75% of our present employees are co-op graduates," Molinaro says. "They know students can be intimidated initially, but they soon become part of the team and fit right in. They spend time at different stations and get a good idea as to what they're looking at in the future."
For Cavaliere, that experience has cemented his career choice.
"You have to do something you like. I wouldn't look forward to dragging myself out of bed every day for something I didn't love to do."
(Linda White is a freelance writer based in Brooklin, Ontario and can be reached at linda.white@rogers.com.)
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