Toronto, Ontario — On May 17, Assured Automotive proudly sponsored the first Canadian National Hot Rod Association Youth and Education Services (NHRA YES) event at the Toronto Motorsports Park.
Founded in 1989, the NHRA YES program was developed to show students from across the United States how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can be applied to both real-world situations and NHRA drag racing.
In 2023, the NHRA YES program hosted more than 31,000 students at tracks across the United States, and this recent Toronto event represented part of a pilot program to bring similar opportunities to students outside of the U.S.
Derek Florczyk, Vice President of Central Operations at The Boyd Group, shared his enthusiasm about the event. Approximately 300+ students from various trades schools across the province attended the May 17th gathering. They engaged with Assured Automotive representatives, discussing the diverse career prospects available in collision repair. David Raposo, Regional Director of Operations at Assured Automotive was one of the panelists. He talked about the apprenticeship program at Assured Automotive and the exciting career path opportunities within our industry and at Assured.
Despite the light rain preventing the actual race, the adrenaline and students’ excitement was palpable. Florczyk emphasized the importance of industry professionals connecting with the next generation. “We had meaningful conversations with students. Witnessing their enthusiasm for the industry was truly inspiring.”
Moreover, David Raposo highlighted the unique aspects of Assured Automotive’s training programs: “our Technician Development Program, created in 2018, aims to ‘grow our own’ and ensure we are training technicians the right way as they start their careers. The program, developed by a former technician from our team, continues to evolve with the changing repair complexities that our technicians face daily. It provides a paid 36-month program where we match an entry-level trainee with a skilled mentor to get hands-on experience, becoming a successful stand-alone body technician after graduation and licensing. At Assured & Boyd, you are with a mentor who helps you every step of the way on your career path.”
The event underscored the vital role that practical, hands-on experience plays in preparing students for careers in collision repair. Raposo added, “collision repair is different because technicians do amazing things with their hands–it is a true feat to tear down a car that was in a collision, put it back together, and make it look as good as it was when it was new.”
As the collision repair industry faces an ongoing shortage of skilled workers, events like NHRA YES provide a dynamic platform for students to network with professionals. Florczyk emphasized Assured Automotive’s commitment to sparking interest in young talent. “We want students to see that collision repair and automotive work offer rewarding and impactful careers,” he stated. “By engaging students at this critical juncture, we can shape a vibrant and skilled workforce for years to come.
Check out Assured Automotive’s photos of the event below.
The post A Yes For Collision Repair: Assured Automotive helps hosts first Canadian NHRA YES event at Toronto Motorsports Park appeared first on Collision Repair Magazine.
