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Kayla Essay, ACE IT student in the Automotive Service Technician program
The first time I heard about the ACE IT program was back in junior high when I started picking some of my courses for Grades 11-12 at Caledonia Secondary. At the end of Grade 11, after I thought about all of my options, and ACE IT just really stood out. It seemed like a smart idea financially, because instead of paying the full college tuition, you pay a little more than a third of what it would cost regularly and if you pass the ITA (Industry Training Authority) test with 70 per cent, then you get the deposit back. So that was no-brainer! I decided to take the Automotive Service Technician program. I’ve always had a curiosity and a bit of a knack for cars and mechanics because I've been around them since I was little – whether it was at the racetrack or off-roading with my parents.
As an ACE IT student, I got to spend a good portion of my Grade 12 year not only getting credits to graduate with my high school class, but also completing the Automotive Foundation level training alongside full-time college students. I got to make a bunch of new friends and I learned more than I could have imagined. In the Foundation level, I learned all the theory and practical components necessary to earn the first-year certificate. Mostly, I just love getting my hands dirty! Seriously, though, I learned so much hands-on stuff from the excellent instructors, like how to service the valve body of a transmission and much more.
I would recommend ACE IT to other young people who are interested in trades but aren't sure whether to pursue one of the programs at NWCC. Take it from me, you get a welcome new challenge, you still get what you need for high school graduation and you get a head start! Now I have a clear path to a good-paying job. I'm currently trying to find my apprenticeship and have applied at many of the bigger shops in Terrace and will enrol in the Automotive Apprenticeship Level 2 that starts later this month. Oh yeah, and since I have all the credits I need for my high school graduation, I'm finished two months before my peers!
Eventually, I am hoping that after I finish all four years of my apprenticeship, I can open up my own shop.
It's great to see an increase in Women in Trades! Congratulations Kayla!
Thanks for making NWCC your school of choice!
Posted by: Irlanda Price | 04/12/2011 at 04:06 PM