l to r: Jennifer, Kevin, Ashley, Jordan, Jatinder, Amadeo, Jason (back), Qasim, Bryan & baby, Bradly, John, Denis, Clay (front)
Student Recognition Ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity for Motive-Action staff, graduating students, friends and family to come together to celebrate students’ achievements as Motive-Action trainees and as future automotive workers.
The June 17th recognition ceremony saw nine students graduate in a range of automotive areas including auto body and heavy duty – “Five months down the pipe,” as Program Director, Mike Hansen put it!
Going down that pipe was not without its challenges. Self-doubt and lack of confidence were key issues for many as was the challenge of staying on track with training and work placement while dealing with various major life events like starting a family.
What does it take to successfully complete the program and properly prepare for the demanding four-year journey that leads to a ticket in the automotive trade? Instructor John Johnson emphasizes the importance of support and of learning essential life skills.
For John and his colleagues, the journey begun at Motive Action is as much a journey in life as it is a journey to a job. Four principles define the program: reliability, hard work, honesty and respect. Students are taught to apply these skills both in and outside shop.
Government of Alberta representative, Chris Doody observed at the ceremony that “Motive Action works so well not only because of the dedication of staff but also because of how they treat the program like real-world work experience.”
Students graduate based on their exam performance, their shop and work experience, their attendance record, their punctuality and their attitude – all the things that an employer will be looking for as well as family, friends, and coworkers.
This latest group of graduates surpassed themselves in the program with a number of them scoring 100% in their work placements, something not seen before. Overall, there were two completions with honours, five with distinctions, and two with graduations.
Motive-Action also offers students the chance to nominate another graduating student for the prestigious Golden 10 mm Wrench and Cash Award. This year’s decision was unanimous, the winner being Ashley, the only girl graduating in this particular group.
Ashley’s mom’s comments nicely summarize what many students and parents feel about this program: “She has found herself and where she’s supposed to be. I’m proud of her and proud of this program.”
Congratulations to Ashley and her graduating peers, Bradly, Jordan, Qasim, Amadeo, Clay, Jason, Bryan and Jatinder. We hope you’ll stay in touch and enjoy great success in your future lives and careers. You’ll be missed!
