CMDA tool donations help revv up school auto programs
A massive donation of tools is putting Calgary high school automotive programs in the driver’s seat.
The $100,000 gift from the Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA) to 13 Calgary schools includes everything from simple socket sets and coveralls to major equipment such as hoists, wheel balancers and tire machines.
“The biggest thing, probably, was a Snap-on scanner. It’s a diagnostic tool and we have one but this is the newest. It’s definitely going to impact our Grade 12 program,” said Mariusz Skwara, automotive instructor at Father Lacombe High School.
“We got a variety of tools for a variety of jobs. Because we’re a growing program — I have over 300 kids this year — and we’re so popular, we are in need of more equipment all the time.
Skwara said the tools will be well used as, in addition to the automotive classes, he also runs an auto club at the school and some of his students are competing at Skills Canada, with one girl going to provincials next week and others at regionals next year.
“We’re still in the beginning stages. It takes years to develop this kind of program but we’re very oriented to success. We want to be on the map,” said a very enthusiastic Skwara, who has been building the program for the past four years.
Calgary Motor Dealers Association executive manager Jim Gillespie met with the auto instructors at the public and separate high schools to determine their shop needs. With the support of its 78 members, the association then sourced tools from suppliers, using funds raised during the 2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show. Gillespie said everyone was so enthusiastic about the high school partnership they were able to leverage the $100,000 into $150,000 worth of tools which were delivered this week.
“This is a brand-new initiative started one year ago. A couple of programs (like Father Lacombe) are doing really well and others need a little boost,” said Gillespie. “But it’s great to see the interest. We’re getting kids in Grade 9 to start thinking about trades and that’s good for the future.”
The CMDA also partners with SAIT and supports automotive scholarship, apprentice and youth internships there. But by assisting high schools, the CMDA is focusing on younger students just starting to think about a future career.
“It’s fantastic that people are supporting us. These guys are always helping those in the industry or starting out,” said Skwara who has a long history with the motor dealers association as he received a CMDA scholarship from the non-profit organization in the mid 1990s.
The high schools receiving tools are Father Lacombe, Bishop McNally, Dr. E.P. Scarlett, Lord Beaverbrook, Central Memorial, Bishop Grandin, Bishop O’Byrne, Bowness, Crescent Heights, Sir Winston Churchill, Saint Francis, Notre Dame and Forest Lawn.