John Slykhuis
Steve Tanner (from left), Mark Kruger, Erica Reed, Michael Jedlicsek, James Plunkett, Jamaal Clinton and Dan Cudahy are members of the first Georgina Trades and Training graduating class. The hubcaps they signed will be hung on the wall of the new training centre on Baseline Road in Sutton.
Georgina
February 06, 2008 03:53 PM
By: John Slykhuis
They will forever hold the distinction of being the first graduating class of Georgina Trades and Training Inc.
The eight students from the new educational centre received their certificates and awards at a ceremony at the Briars Resort last Thursday night, receiving a standing ovation from the audience of about 80 dignitaries, family, friends, staff, board of governors and program partners.
The eight already have jobs as auto service technicians — three at Canadian Tire in Keswick — a promising start for the program that will soon set up permanent headquarters in the town-owned former Foodland building on Baseline Road in Sutton, now undergoing renovations.
The next program of general carpenter pre-apprenticeship received an overwhelming response at a public information session last December, program executive director Art Niezen told the audience.
Of the 50 applications received for the program, 34 were accepted and are now finishing a literacy and numeracy refresher program at the Learning Centre for Georgina.
The men and women include university graduates and high school drop-outs and range in age from 16 to 42, Mr. Niezen said.
The program starts March 3 at George Brown College, which is a partner.
Last week’s grads hope students in the carpentry class will experience a life-changing experience just as they did.
“They done it, they’ve gone through the whole process, they stuck it out, they were determined and they showed their worth,” master of ceremonies Jean Soulodre said. “Tonight is all about celebrating eight very special people.”
The graduation was all about leadership and perserverence, Mayor Rob Grossi said
“It’s all about taking a shot at something that has never been done before,” he said. I really have to recognize Gerry Brouwer who went beyond the call of duty and stuck his neck out and brought partners together. Believe me, it was not easy.”
The program’s partners include the York Region District School Board, York Region District Catholic School Board and Centennial College’s school of transportation.
The program was an Education Ministry pilot project funded through the School to College to Work initiative that provided a grant of $142,000, Mr. Niezen said.
He urged graduates to “stay in touch with each other and continue to support each other”.
Erica Reed, the program’s only female graduate, received the perserverance award from licenced tractor trailer instructor Sue Allen who congratulated the graduates of entering “a really challenging industry” where caring is fundamental.
She applauded Ms Reed for being one of only 3 per cent of women in the transportation skilled trades sector. She works at Canadian Tire in Keswick.
“GTTI is definitely responsible for getting us where we are today,” graduate Michael Jedlicsek said. “The teachers were also very supportive.”
When he started, Sean Morden, 19, knew nothing about mechanics and credited his teachers for their expertise.
The course gave Dan Cudahy, 18, a valuable addition to his heavy truck and coach apprentice program.
Jamaal Clinton, 18, liked the hands-on approach the program used.