The Mechanics Training Centre program at Rocky View Schools (RVS) is celebrating another successful year.
According to RVS, established during the 1999/2000 school year, the program is a partnership between RVS and Cam Clark Ford in Airdrie that provides hands-on education to students interested in experiencing the automotive mechanics trade.
Students enrolled in the program have access to a fully equipped four-bay shop operated by the RVS Community Learning Centre (CLC), located at Cam Clark Ford. Students investigate the theoretical aspects of the mechanics trade and apply their knowledge in practical settings, spending time in the shop and adjacent classrooms.
Stephen Teasdale, a teacher and licensed mechanic for the training center, shared that in the final semester of the year, they had 55 students.
"I've been teaching this program now for 13 years, going on 14, and I'm very proud of what it's become. The students that come through this program, and I, I'm very open and honest with them, this is not just a mechanics program. It's working as a family."
He explained mistakes will be made, but it's how you handle them afterwards.
"Our students will make mistakes, and everyone does, and it's how you deal with those mistakes, and how you take responsibility for them and move forward? We're not here to beat up on making a mistake. It's more about okay, how can we try and learn from those and get better moving forward as a group."
This semester, two students, Dexter Gray and Ethan Oberten, received scholarships of $1500 for their hard work in the program.
He concluded by saying that no matter what the student does after the program. He is proud of them no matter what.
"We've hopefully given them the confidence to understand that whether they're working on their vehicle or someone else's vehicle, or whatever their choice is that they can have confidence and be proud of what they do daily."
Families interested in learning more or applying to the Mechanics Training Centre can visit the RVS Community Learning Centre website. More information about RVS programs that reach beyond the classroom is available on the RVS website.
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