Pathways to Success Block 1
The Automotive Sector Council of Nova Scotia has opened the door to employment for six of the first candidates trained as Tire & Maintenance Technicians. After 2 years of industry-led planning, developing and partnering with NS Apprenticeship Agency, NSCC and equity-seeking groups, the ASC Pathways to Success program has come to fruition!
Pathways to Success is a FREE 8-week program, delivered online and in the shop over two 4-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 Motive Power Industry while reducing barriers to employment. Core competencies have been identified that will qualify jobseekers 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 1 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 2 covers competencies in regards to the vehicle fluid and general vehicle maintenance. Upon successful completion of Block 2, the candidates are ready for full time work as a Tire and Maintenance Technician.
The fall 2022 Pathways program participants were a wonderful group of individuals who were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an experienced NSCC instructor, Adam LaPierre. Feedback from participants indicated that the Pathways to Success program has cultivated a safe learning environment for individuals of all skill levels.
During the in-shop training, one participant stated “Sometimes when my boss explains things it goes in one ear and out the other, but now I truly understand it”, and another stated, “This program is great because Adam’s never condescending and we have to time to try things and say what we think might be right without it affecting a customer”. Participants also indicated that they learned more than they were expecting to during the first block of training!
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 was] actually very helpful…it showed me how to work with others, be a good leader, learn different kinds of techniques, and safety rules and procedures. I am for sure gonna be using all the things from Block 1 at work”.
Since the completion of Block 1, multiple employers are reaching out seeking to hire individuals from the Pathways to Success program. The program is not only beneficial to the individuals who participate, but also to employers. By hiring someone who has completed the Pathways to Success program, your new employee will require less training and be safety minded. As an employer, you can request to see their Assessment of the Competencies training. Additionally, they have been selected for the program based upon the notion that they are dedicated to working within the field and have completed a Jobtomize Assessment for their “fit” for the industry. Therefore, it increases employee retention while decreasing the time and money spent training them in your automotive shop!
The Automotive Sector Council of Nova Scotia is excited to offer Block 2 of the program to our initial cohort in January, 2023. We are also recruiting for a new Block 1 cohort. Be amongst the first employers to refer your potential hires, or if you or someone you know is interested in participating or want more information, please contact pathways@automotivesectorcouncil.ca.
ASC Staff Judy Dickson, ASC Program Manager Kastin Bradley, Connor MacMullin, Brandon Carson, Chase MacIntyre, Gutu Waqo, Wasiu Abdul, Kaden Wright, NSCC Instructor Adam LaPierre
“Sometimes when my boss explains things it goes in one ear and out the other, but now I truly understand it” – Pathways to Success Participant
Participants Kaden Wright and Connor MacMullin laying on the floor determining where to securely hoist the truck
“The program is so amazing and helpful to me. It also changed my attitude that I’m important.” – Pathways to Success Participant
Participants Gutu Waqo and Wasiu Abdul learning how to fix a tire from instructor Adam LaPierre
“[The program was] actually very helpful…it showed me how to work with others, be a good leader, different kinds of techniques, safety rules and procedures. I am for sure gonna be using all the things from Block 1 at work”.
Participant Brandon Carson changing a tire on a hoisted vehicle