William Banting receives the Dan Gallant Memorial Automotive Management Award from Rick Gauthier, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and Director, Automotive Business School of Canada Board of Directors
Shannon Douglas, William Banting and Robert Scott (far right) receive Canadian Association of Japanese Automobile Dealers Scholarships from Jim Smith, Program Faculty
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On Friday, October 17, the Automotive Business School of Canada, located at Georgian College’s Barrie campus, recognized a select group of students for outstanding achievement. In an interview with Canadian auto dealer, student William “Bill” Banting says that although it was nice to receive the rewards for one’s own efforts, the level of support provided to programs through the Automotive Business School of Canada is really what makes it special.
“The auto industry has always been a passion of mine and I’ve always liked the business side of it,” Banting says. “Our teachers are a great influence and source of motivation for us in these programs. It makes me excited to think that not only is this school unique in the programs it offers but also the amazing number of opportunities presented to us when we graduate.”
Rick Gauthier, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) and Director of the Board at the Automotive Business School of Canada, says it’s a really proud moment to see these students receive recognition for their hard work. Gauthier also notes that the school’s commitment to quality education and the unwavering support provided by federal and provincial dealer associations, OEMs and other stakeholders has been instrumental in enabling the success the school and its programs enjoy today. “We feel the Automotive Business School is truly part of our fabric,” says Gauthier. “I feel honoured to be associated with the school, to be invited to speak at the convocation and scholarship awards in front of these students. They represent the next generation of leaders. They are the future of our industry.”
Stephanie Knight, Manager, Resource Development at the college says Georgian disburses around $700,000 to students across all programs through awards and scholarships. “These programs are entirely supporter driven,” she says, noting that without contributions from industry and business leaders, these programs would not be possible.
“We are very fortunate in that the Automotive Business School of Canada has a great industry donor base,” says Knight. “Our graduate employment rates are exceptionally high and we see it is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have a great career in a thriving industry.”
