Peterborough, Ontario -- A group of automotive businesses in the Peterborough area are stepping up to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
Several local industry leaders — including Carlaw Collision, Pete’s Autobody, Sidey Auto, Clements Body Shop, 3M, Caruk, Cooper Auto Glass and Peterborough Auto Recyclers — have teamed up to provide essential supplies, hands-on expertise and their time to help enrich TASSS’s automotive program.
Russelle Toyota also donated a vehicle to the program, giving students the opportunity to sharpen practical skills in both collision repair and automotive service.
“This partnership not only enriches the curriculum but also provides students with practical experience that is vital for their future careers in the automotive industry,” said Bart Packman, bodyshop manager at Russelle Toyota.
The program is designed to align with Ontario high school co-operative education initiatives, which allow Grade 11 and 12 students to gain real-world experience through placements in industries such as automotive repair.
The community response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. Alumni, parents, and residents have flooded social media with messages of support, praising the businesses involved for investing in the future of local youth.
“Every single business giving back to the community and helping another generation create, build, and repair is deserving of a heartfelt thank you,” wrote Jason Walling, a local resident. “People like this are what this town needs more of.”
Others highlighted the long-term impact of such programs, recalling how early exposure to trades in high school changed their own career trajectories—from shop class to successful careers in mechanical trades and beyond.
“We need more teachers and school councilors to promote the trade industry. Not all students are academic—and that’s okay,” wrote Mary-Louise Harrison, a parent of a TASSS student. “Opportunities like this change lives.”
