WEST FERRIS CAR SHOW PUTS STUDENT CAREERS INTO HIGH GEAR

The First Annual West Ferris Car show delighted car enthusiasts and fueled an already burning passion among teacher Craig Steward’s students.

Steward, who worked in the automotive industry for many years, strives to give his students hands-on skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and possible careers. He thought a car show would be a great way to further encourage his student’s passion for automobiles and give them exposure to work in the industry.

“Students helped plan and organize all aspects of the day, it has been a yearlong project to organize and work with the community to arrange this event,” Steward said. “There were many student-led ideas included in the show such as Hot Wheels races for the younger kids, face painting, and penny tables to engage a wide audience of attendees.”

With 197 cars registered, the show brought a wide range of remarkable cars and students gained exposure to the broader automobile community, with many of the car owners being mechanics and working in the trades.

Students spent the day asking questions and engaging in conversations with owners to learn about each car. One student was even offered a job interview.

“We make connections with our local automotive service businesses and dealerships, so we have contacts for placements for the next step,” Steward said. “In the auto classes, students have been learning the basic skills like oil change, seasonal maintenance, and brake work. This is what shop owners are looking for. I focus on building the skills they need in industry; they gain a sense of what it is like to work in a real shop.”

“We are grateful for all the support of those in industry who have donated equipment and continue to find employment and learning opportunities for West Ferris tech students,” Steward said.

The partnerships with industry continue even as the school year draws to a close, later in June, Kelly’s Auto Glass is scheduled to come to the school and demonstrate a windshield replacement for the class.

In addition to industry support, trades classes also get other help keeping up with the rapid rate of technological advancement in the industry.

“We are grateful for events like this car show that showcase our top-notch trades programs. Mr. Steward created an authentic learning experience for the students. Technology programs provide authentic trade learning for students,” West Ferris Principal Gillian Kajganich said. “While the specialized equipment in trades can be expensive and difficult to replicate in the classroom it is foundational learning for all students. As technology continues to expand at an incredible rate, it can be hard to keep up.  Every little bit helps, like this car show. The community really showed up to support the school’s automotive program. Recently, West Ferris’ manufacturing program has been awarded a sizeable grant through the Canadian tooling and machinists association (CTMA).”

Those students who want to pursue careers in the industry also have opportunities to advance their learning in a high-tech professional setting through co-op placements and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP.)

Not all students aspire to careers in the auto industry however they still get valuable life skills that will benefit them in the future. Steward also hopes events like the car show will help inspire a love and passion for cars and all things automotive.

“Students learn basic car maintenance so that if and when they get a vehicle, they are able to care for their car,” Steward said. “There is value in students learning these skills in their personal lives as they will be better equipped to select and maintain their own future vehicles.”

Armed with the skills they learned in class students developed the criteria for judging each of the 25 car categories and served as judges. Students in various shop classes in the school even designed the hardware that winners will be taking away.

The entrants were impressed by the student’s attention to detail and judging skills and with so many exceptional cars it was difficult to decide on a winner.

“The barbecue was well received and the hot wheels races and prizes were a highlight for younger attendees,” Steward said. “We are so grateful to the incredible turnout from the community near and far to support the tech program and creating authentic learning opportunities for students.”