Future looks promising for Pathways to Success grads
The Automotive Sector Council of Nova Scotia has opened the door to employment for the first graduates of the Pathways to Success program.
The program was developed through two years of industry-led planning, partnering with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship, the Nova Scotia Community College and equity-seeking groups.
Pathways to Success is an eight-week program delivered through online learning and in-shop training over two four-week blocks. The program provides individuals with entry-level knowledge and training as a tire and maintenance technician (TMT). The program is designed to increase recruitment and retention in the automotive industry while reducing barriers to employment. Core competencies have been identified by the industry that will qualify job seekers for employment in the automotive industry and the opportunity to work towards being certified as a tire and maintenance technician (TMT) and enrolling in apprenticeship.
Block one covers competencies deemed necessary to work in-shop as a tire technician. It prepares individuals ready to work for the upcoming tire-changing season in October.
Block two covers competencies regarding vehicle fluids and general vehicle maintenance. Upon successfully completing Block two, candidates are ready for fulltime work as tire and maintenance technicians.
Program graduates have indicated they learned more than anticipated and all the learning was relevant and applicable. Graduates are invested in the automotive industry and have future plans of progressing within the industry to begin apprenticeships or own their own automotive shops.
Not only did the graduates obtain skills and knowledge within the automotive realm, but they also indicated they learned interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills and customer service skills.
In the post-program evaluation, participants stated, “The program is so amazing and helpful to me. It also changed my attitude … that I’m important,” as well as “(The program) … showed me how to work with others, be a good leader, learn different kinds of techniques and safety rules and procedures.”
The program is also beneficial for employers. By hiring someone who has completed the Pathways to Success program (TMT), the new employee will be aware of automotive safety protocols and require less upfront training. Additionally, they have completed the program understanding they are dedicated to working within the field and therefore increasing employee retention and productivity during the busiest times of tire season in your automotive shop. This supports employers to focus on broadening employee training during the slower months of your business.
Anyone interested in participating in the program or have someone you’d like to hire who requires training, email pathways@automotivesectorcouncil.ca for more information.