By Mike Pickford
Toronto, Ontario — August 12, 2016 — A Toronto-area business owner is stepping up and doing his part to help funnel through the next generation of collision repairers, launching a new scholarship program for autobody students at Centennial College.
Anthony Iaboni, owner of the York-based refinish supply company Collision 360, has long been an advocate of helping those with an interest in the industry succeed. For the past year he’s been providing a mentorship program for individuals looking for a way into the business, but now he’s taken things one step further by pledging funds to kick start the Collision 360 scholarship.
Speaking to Collision Repair magazine, Iaboni said he was looking forward to launching the scholarship, stating he felt a certain responsibility as a business owner in the field to help deserving emerging industry prospects through their schooling.
“Long story short, I’m a business owner that cares about this industry, so I want to see the industry continue to thrive long into the future. The only way we’re going to see that happen is if we can bring more youth, more workers into the business,” Iaboni said.
Attracting prospective employees has never been a problem for the industry, with schools across the country recording stable enrolment numbers in recent years. It’s ensuring those with an interest in the business actually stick around that seems to be the problem.
“For years now, I’ve noticed the biggest threat to our industry moving forward is keeping the youth of today interested in the business,” Iaboni said. “It looks like we’re attracting the youth, but they’re just not sticking with it.”
Iaboni said he first connected with Centennial College earlier this year to discuss the possibility of supporting the institution’s autobody program.
“When I started talking to people over at Centennial, I learned pretty quickly that enrolment in their shop program is high, but completion is low,” Iaboni said. “I’m hearing a lot of that has to do with kids running into financial difficulties. I don’t think we should ever be in a situation where promising kids are dropping out of courses because they can’t afford to run their car to school, or can’t come up with rent.”
He added, “I’ve always seen the collision repair industry as one that offers so much and gives so much. I just want to do my part and give a little back.”
The ‘little’ Iaboni will be giving back will come in the form of five annual scholarships of $2,500. While Iaboni said he envisages the money going to those that most deserve it, he will be leaving the distribution to Centennial College.
To apply, students must be enrolled full-time in the Autobody Techniques program and will be required to write an essay telling why they are interested in the automotive industry and how they think the program at Centennial will help them in their career.
While the funds Iaboni has put forth so far will cover one student’s yearly tuition, he hopes to bring more industry players on board to boost the program moving forward.
“I’d really like this initiative to grow into a more supported structure where other businesses come on board and contribute,” Iaboni said. “Whether it be manufacturers, shops, whatever… I see a lot of things happening right now that will make this industry better, but something like this, helping the workforce of tomorrow, that’s how this industry is going to succeed.”
Even if that doesn’t happen, Iaboni said he would have no qualms about continuing to support the program himself.
“The groundwork is all laid out, the agreement is there. The end goal here is to ensure we’re getting as many students through the system as possible. Is this a bulletproof solution? No it isn’t, but if it’s able to help even one more student a year transition into the industry, then it’s more than worth it.”
