CARSTAR recently hosted Mohawk Pre-Apprenticeship Body and Collision Damage Repairer students during a special event at its Canadian headquarters in Hamilton.

On October 11, a total of 17 students received their Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program Completion Certificates from various collision repair industry leaders.

Additionally, the following students received Outstanding Achievement Awards for exceling in particular fields.

• Treshak Industries—Outstanding Achievement Award —Basic Level 1—Practical —Jess Frasson
• 360 Refinish Supply—Outstanding Achievement Award—Basic Level 1—Theory—Timothy McConnville
• CARSTAR—Outstanding Achievement Award—Basic Level 1—Dakota Schroder

“We are proud to celebrate all of our graduates today, as each one of them have had to overcome their own obstacles and challenges to achieve these tremendous accomplishment today,” says Debbie Dedauw, Mohawk College. “Earning their education today, means these students can chart their own paths forward, whether it is with an apprenticeship program, continuing their education or entering into skilled trades. I am excited to see where each of their paths will lead.”

With growing interest in seeking out next-generation talent for the collision repair industry over the last few years,  networks such as CARSTAR are looking to drive interest in the collision repair industry among today’s youth and provide a greater, more complete understanding of  the career options actually available.

“It is encouraging that young talent, like we see here today, are interested in the collision repair industry considering the demographic shift we are witnessing in facilities across North America,” said Bill Davidge, Director, EDGE Performance, CARSTAR. “With so many emerging technologies, it is heartening to see fresh students perfecting new industry skills that some facilities have even yet to adopt. These students have incredible opportunities and I look forward to seeing them emerge as industry leaders.”