Darryl and Brian Hemstreet, Owners of CARSTAR Red Deer and CARSTAR Red Deer South in Red Deer, AB, believe in supporting local schools and teaching students about the value of a technical education.

Even more so, they are a strong advocate of the philosophy of paying it forward.

That’s why they pursued a $5,000 grant for the Lindsay Thurber Autobody Program through the Red Deer Community Grants Microgrant program. The program caters to the diverse and evolving needs of community organizations. These microgrants aid organizations in navigating a swiftly changing landscape, whether it involves developing responsive programming, maintaining vital programming, investing in technology, or addressing unforeseen expenses to meet the demands of the community.

The future business owners

“Our local students are the future business owners, automotive professionals, contractors, builders and facility operators for our community, and we need to work with them to encourage them to pursue these important technical careers,” said Darryl Hemstreet. “Not only is this a way to ensure we have a steady pipeline of trained technicians for our CARSTAR Red Deer locations, it provides a career path to students who may not be college bound.”

The grant this team received will support the Lindsay Thurber Autobody Program, which currently has some 50 students enrolled in grades 10 through 12, purchasing tools, equipment, training programs and more. In addition, the team is creating a mentorship program for the students, arranging store visits for students to see first-hand the skills they will need in a real-world environment, learn how to work in a productive team environment and map their first career steps in the collision repair industry. CARSTAR Red Deer has already hosted three student field trips in February and has more planned for the students.

“It is so important for students to have a mentor who can help guide them in the industry and provide apprenticeship opportunities for them to gain experience,” noted Darryl Hemstreet. “I look forward to seeing these young men and women grow into their careers and become collision repair professionals.”

Visit www.CARSTAR.ca for more information.