CARSTAR Pickering welcomed 20 students from Tropicana Community Services on May 22 for an immersive “CARSTAR Day” aimed at introducing young people to careers in the collision repair industry.
As a sponsor of Tropicana’s Auto Body program, CARSTAR Pickering hosted students and officials for a behind-the-scenes look at the facility’s daily operations, offering insight into the technologies and processes used in modern collision repair.
Students toured several areas of the shop, including estimating and the paint booth, while speaking with staff about career opportunities and advancements in the trade.
“For many years we have supported the programs and efforts of Tropicana, and this year is no exception with a tremendous group of students who are entering our industry with their eyes wide open,” said CARSTAR senior zone director Collin Welsh. “It was very rewarding to collaborate with them on the collision industry opportunities and where they see themselves in the future.”
“As I mentioned to each student, we need you and with the right commitment and motivation, you will do very well and have options which will open doors for you,” Welsh added.
CARSTAR Pickering owner Nataly Akleh said hosting the students continued a tradition started years ago by her father.
“It was an honour to host the students from the Tropicana program and continue a tradition my dad started many years ago -- believing that everyone has to start somewhere,” said Akleh. “It was refreshing to see such eager students willing to learn, ask questions, and explore a future in the collision repair industry.”
“At the end of the day, your workforce is only as strong as the people you choose to invest in. Supporting future talent and skilled trades education is incredibly important to our team,” said Akleh
The event also received support from Axalta, 3M and NAPA.
