Education/training
Kickstarting a career with motorcyclesAn interest in motorbikes and a passion for taking things apart and putting them back together again have come together for a high school student who has begun an apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic. |
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 [ 2002-07-31 ] |
OYAP student Krisztian Kopcsandi (right), with supervisor Pat Corcoran, assistant manager at McBride Cycle.
"I just put the two interests together," says Krisztian Kopcsandi, 17, of William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in Toronto. "I was always trying to take things apart; I liked everything from scooters to dirt bikes. It's something that was always there. When I turned 16, I sent for my licence and picked up a bike."
Kopcsandi has begun translating his hobbies into a career through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which allows him to earn credits toward his high school diploma, while the hours he works on a job are applied to certification in his chosen trade. OYAP also gives students a chance to earn a salary and receive financial assistance towards the purchase of required tools and clothing.
"I'm getting a jumpstart on my career, so I won't be 25 years old and decide it's too late to change if I don't like what I'm doing," says Kopcsandi, who landed a summer job at McBride Cycle at Dundas and Keele Streets after completing a placement there last semester.
"I got my foot in the door. I really like what I'm doing. I'm always learning new things and enjoy the hands-on work," says Kopcsandi, who will consider completing his apprenticeship at a placement or through college after graduating from high school next year.
His co-op teacher is impressed with his commitment.
"Krisztian came to me a year and a half ago, wanting to go into motorcycle mechanics," says Leslie Whiler. "He researched where he wanted to do his placement and set it all up. He did all the legwork."
OYAP students receive a booklet that outlines the skills they need to complete. "Krisztian knows where he has to go," Whiler says. "The book gives him a focus on the specific tasks he has to accomplish.
"OYAP really focuses students. In school, they learn theory. The booklet is very specific about how they will apply those lessons."
Kopcsandi has shown initiative in acquiring those skills, reports his supervisor.
"He's gone from washing and polishing bikes to the stage of building motorcycles right out of the box," says Pat Corcoran, assistant manager and service advisor at McBride Cycle. "He's starting to inspect and diagnose motorcycles needing minor repairs alongside a technician."
Corcoran is pleased to take on students, and watches for those who go above and beyond the basics.
"If you want to apply yourself, get dirty and are willing to learn, you're going to go somewhere," he says.
"The initiative and drive Kris has got is really good," adds Corcoran. "It's great to watch him apply himself and enjoy what he's doing. You need to make sure this is really what you want to do for life. You have to absorb as much as you can and be willing to accept criticism. It's all part of learning."
(Linda White is a freelance writer based in Brooklin, Ont. and can be reached at linda.white@rogers.com.)
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