Working alongside mentor Shone Foster, owner of the auto shop located on 1043 Regional Road 20 in Hagersville, Shane is learning basic skills to become a mechanic. "You've got to get good hands on, but you also have to learn good business sense if you want to succeed," explains 33 year old Shone. In his training he tries to instill the importance of knowing how to manage the business. "I'm always trying to drive into his mind business as well as mechanical. If you want to be good you have to have both."

After, a year and a half in business and unsuccessful attempts to find qualified employees, Shone turned to GREAT's job connect program. Through OSTTC's automotive service technician program, youth are gaining valuable hands-on experience which prepares them for future apprenticeships. The job connect program is putting those graduates of the program in contact with potential employers.

"GREAT contacted me and told me that he was looking for an apprentice," explains Shane. After taking OSTTC's six month automotive service technician program he was having difficulty finding work. "Shone liked me I guess and I got the job."

However, it wasn't just the high recommendation Shane came with which gained him the position; it was Shone's experience in dealing with other

apprenticeship programs which lead him to try GREAT. "I always knew it was hard to find guys…The schooling system only trains you so far but to get into a field somewhere, a garage where they'll train you, it's not easy," explains Shone. That's why he's glad there are programs like GREAT's job connect and OSTTC's automotive service technician program which help youth find placements.

He praises not only the program but the technique as well. "They're going through a program that basically starts them right from oil changes from what I'm seeing. So from the very basics they get to know the vehicle and just basics maintenance, and that's where the money is in this business," he explains. Often most apprentices working in shops only get to change oil and never learn any other fundamentals. "They don't know how to do any of the basics. So with the [OSTTC] program they're doing it before they even start the apprenticeship, you can't beat it," says Shone.

As well, he likes that OSTTC's program emphasizes the importance of business management. "That's what I find the school over there is doing as well, I don't find Mohawk College does it, but I do find [OSTTC] does…If you don't learn the basics you don't make money. It's a really good program," says Shone

As another component of his apprenticeship, Shane began his in school training at the end of August. Attending school one day a week, he'll be able to continue working with Shone and learning all he can about the automotive trade. "He's a great guy…he's going above and beyond. He stops what he's doing and explains something to me if I have a question," says Shane. He's also grateful to GREAT for the opportunity they've provided him with. "I probably wouldn't be where I'm at right now if it weren't for GREAT. They put me in my course and just started me off."

Fall is here and as we settle back into the routine of back to school, OSTTC sends out a big thank you to our summer student for all her hard work. Melissa was a wonderful help and greatly appreciated.

To all the new students at Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre, we would like to extend a warm welcome and we are happy to have you join us. Hope you enjoy your stay and have fun learning. Success starts with the first step but you determine how far you want to go.

OSTTC has many facets that can help you along those steps no matter where you are in your journey: Business, finances, office dealings, skilled trades, upgrading, or general interest items.

Maybe you are young and out of school with no idea of what you want to do. One of these programs could be just the thing you need:

Taking Back My Responsibility - could help with getting high school credits, life skills and aiding youth in career directions. Intake for this program is done in August and December. Acceptance is determined through an interview process.

Youth Community Development Program - could assist with gaining work experience, management and life skills, self-awareness and life direction. The program starts in September with only eight positions available.

Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre is here to assist you along the way. Give us a call to find out how we could get you to the next step in your journey.

519-445-1515 or 1-866-827-5912 or visit our website at www.osttc.com.

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