AYCE Collision and Auto Repair program students pose with John Tory, 2014 Toronto Mayoral Candidate, Marc Tremblay AYCE collision pre-apprenticeship program coordinator and Mohammad “Shah” Shazhad, Manager, Community and Client Relations, the Brimell Group
On Monday, students enrolled in the AYCE Pre-apprenticeship Training for Auto Body Collision and Damage Repair program, received a visit from John Tory, 2014 Toronto Mayoral Candidate and former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader at the Brimell Group Paint and Collision Centre in Scarborough, Ont. Tory made the visit to highlight the importance of youth employment in Toronto and how programs like that run by AYCE are helping to change the lives of young people in the GTA.
Tory had a chance to meet with students on the program and asked them about why they chose to enroll, what they’ve learned by being a part of it and their aspirations and goals for the future. He also performed a collision repair demonstration himself, using 3M rotary polishing technology on a vehicle inside the facility.
John Tory talks with students at the Brimell Paint and Collision Centre on Monday
Tory also chatted with Marc Tremblay, coordinator for the Pre-apprenticeship Training for Auto Body Collision and Damage Repair program and Richard Marsh, manager for the Brimell Group Paint and Collision Centre.
Speaking with Canadian auto dealer at Brimell, Tory said, “we have 20 per cent youth unemployment in Toronto, which is unacceptable. What I’ve seen today are a group of people who are enthusiastic about getting a skill and are enthusiastic about the industry. I also see the Brimell Group demonstrating that they really are a partner in helping these kids get on their feet and helping to train the automotive industry for the future.”
Tory added that, “for me this is a huge win-win because it demonstrates what business can do and what we can do to help these young people get on their feet. It is a wonderful program and it can be applied to other businesses right across the automotive industry.”
Richard Marsh said that “it’s great to see our politicians taking interest. John is here to support these young men and women and to spread the word, because there are not enough of these programs and that’s the key.” Marsh noted that “AYCE has done a great job with this program and it’s really successful. It’s good to get some local and national exposure to help spread the word and to get other jurisdictions to take notice. At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.”
Marc Tremblay said that meeting John Tory was inspirational for the students in the AYCE collision program. “Getting a chance to meet John and knowing there is a true career path for our students really meant a lot to them.”
For more information on the program visit: ayce.on.ca
