A new automotive program offered by Surrey Schools this summer is meeting the needs of students looking to enter the district's apprenticeship program on their path to becoming mechanics.
For the first time, the district offered Automotive Technology 11 as a summer program, teaching Grade 11 and 12 students the ins and outs of vehicles, while fulfilling their prerequisite requirements to go into the Automotive Service Technician program offered in partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary.
"The main reason for running this in summer is we only have about six or seven schools in Surrey that have Auto 11, so many students can't take it during the school year," said teacher Mani Grewal. "And if the students want to go into the apprenticeship, they can't apply for it without Auto 11."
This year's summer program filled up in three days, with 19 students from across the district commuting to Frank Hurt Secondary to learn 21 different jobs over 80 hours in July.
"They do two front brakes, two rear brakes, tire changes, balancing, oil changes, alignment," said Grewal. "There's a variety of jobs that they do and the majority of the class has finished most of the labs."
Logan Pedersen, a Grade 11 student at École Salish Secondary, isn't old enough to get his learner's licence but already has his own vehicle and is getting a jumpstart on vehicle maintenance through the program.
"I've liked cars basically from day one," he said. "I'm here to explore cars and learn a bit more about them. I've learned most things about an engine, how cars work, how to change parts, what tools to use.
"It's been lots of fun, super hands-on - the community is great and I've made lots of friends."
Grewal said many students finished their labs ahead of schedule, and based on how well-received the course has been in its summer debut, he's hopeful it will return next year to offer more students opportunities to pursue jobs as service technicians.
"We're hoping it will continue every year, and that at least one school will teach it every summer," he said.
For more information about the 21-week Automotive Service Technician program, click here.
