Fix Network and Skills Ontario partnered once again to officially launch Skills Ontario’s new Trades & Tech Truck, a mobile experiential learning unit, recently at Fix Network’s Milton facility.
With activities and simulators, including modules simulating auto-painting, welding, electrical systems, heavy machinery and more, visitors of the Trades & Tech Truck were able to tour the unit and explore how Fix Network and Skills Ontario were inspiring youth to consider a career in skilled trades and technologies, in a unique and hands-on way.
The truck was launched in the presence of Parm Gill, MPP for Milton and Ontario Minister for Immigration and Multiculturalism, Steve Leal, President and CEO of Fix Network World, Sylvain Seguin, Executive Vice President, Canada, and Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, along with senior industry officials and students from various automotive schools.
Successful & rewarding careers in the aftermarket industry
Skilled auto technicians are in high demand across Canada and Daryll O’Keefe, Regional Vice-President, Ontario for Fix Network, believes initiatives such as the Trades & Tech Truck are an attractive pathway for young people to learn more about successful and rewarding careers in the aftermarket business.
“In our mission to attract the best talent to the aftermarket industry, we are excited to once again collaborate with Skills Ontario in their latest initiative,” O’Keefe said. “I am confident that unique opportunities such as the Trades and Tech Truck will help the younger generation gain access to invaluable tools, insights and mentorship that can help them navigate the profession. Plus, the opportunity to network with Fix Network’s pros provides them a better understanding of how the industry operates.”
Skilled trade and technology careers
For more than 30 years, Skills Ontario has been encouraging youth to explore skilled trade and technology careers. The unique initiative is part of Skills Ontario’s mission to engage even more Ontarians across the province to pursue a career in the aftermarket industry. Skills Ontario will be visiting schools, training centres, and more across the province to encourage, inspire, and motivate Ontarians to pursue skilled careers.
“We’re very excited to be with Fix Network to announce this new initiative,” Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said. “Skills Ontario has been delivering workshops and programs focusing on experiential learning for many years, and we’re thrilled to amplify our impact through this new mobile unit. Skilled trade and technology careers are in-demand, well-paying, and fulfilling, and we work to ensure that youth are aware of their opportunities in these fields.”
Attending the event were senior leaders of Fix Network and Skills Ontario, along with Ontario government officials. Other important attendees included representatives of Black & McDonald, Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario, CWB Welding Foundation, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Milwaukee Tool, and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.
Students and faculty from Collège Boréal, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Milton District High School and other schools interacted with officials from Fix Network and Skills Ontario, learning first-hand about the latest collision repair technologies.
