Toronto, Ontario -- February 23, 2012 -- AYCE Employment Services, in partnership with the City of Toronto, held the first Awareness and Registration event to launch the 2012 Pre-Apprenticeship Training program - Autobody and Collision Damage Repair. This event was held at the Scarborough Civic Centre. At the event, guest speakers provided potential candidates with an inside look at the industry and information on the Pre-Apprenticeship program. 

John Norris of Collision Industry Information Assistance (C.I.I.A.) and emcee for the event,  introduced the industry to the room full of hopefuls. Following Norris, Zach Brull, Regional Director of Carstar Central Canada, spoke about the many opportunities available for good apprentices not only with Carstar, but across the industry.

Next, Ed Nasello of CARS Council introduced his services and provided information about available testing tools. Following that, Odette Kesler from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities spoke to the group about the importance of being an apprentice as well as the requirements. Finally, Wayne James from Maaco Canada, provided an inspirational testimonial about how he became the Director of Operations for Maaco Canada, and the sacrifices that he had to make along the way.

Following a short break, the group re-gathered for another inspiring presentation from some of the graduates of the 2010 and 2011 Pre-Apprenticeship classes.  The crowd was excited to see how former students had completely changed their lives as a result of the program.  The speakers talked about growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods and feeling no sense of direction.  They discussed the challenges faced during the 30 weeks of training, but all agreed that they were glad they stuck with it. 

By the end of the day, the applicants were encouraged and ready to make a change in their lives. Employers from The Brimell Group Paint & Collision, Carstar, and Maaco donated their time to interview candidates and answer individual questions.  With their interviews completed, applicants now are hoping to secure a seat in the 2012 AYCE Pre-Apprenticeship Training program for Autobody and Collision Damage Repair.