Twelve winners of the NAPA Autopro 2018 scholarship were honoured by NAPA in a program aimed at promoting the industry and building the pool of technicians.

The presentation was made during the NAPA Autopro congress, held in Ottawa on September 28 and 29. Twelve students each received a bursary of $1,000 to support them in their training and professional development

The candidates were tasked with creating a video explaining their interest in training to become mechanics. This video was then reviewed by a panel of industry experts who chose the winners. The winning students were invited to attend the congress so they could familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of the industry and make contacts.

The aim of the NAPA Autopro 2018 scholarships program is to encourage young people to enter studies to in the field to grow the pool of qualified technicians and meet the hiring needs of auto repair shops.

The program was expanded province-wide this year and almost 40 students from each of the 36 vocational training centres in the province applied for a scholarship.

The 12 winners are:

• Steven Canuel, CFPG Manicouagan
• Jean-Maxime Robberts, CFP Wilbrod Bhérer
• Marie-Pier Landry, CF Rimouski-Neigette
• Patrick Bouchard, CFP Wilbrod Bhérer
• Yannick Brien-Rouillard, CF Compétences de la Rive Sud
• Jensen Smith-Baron, CFP Daniel-Johnson
• Maxime Castonguay, CFP Saint-Jérôme
• Sarah Lane, West-Island Career Centre
• Matthias Balk-Forcione, West-Island Career Centre
• Mélissa Lalonde, West-Island Career Centre
• Mervin Toussaint, West-Island Career Centre
• Assef Sleiman, CFP Sainte-Thérèse

“It is always a pleasure to offer bursaries to such motivated students who are passionate about the field of mechanics,” explained Alain Primeau, Regional Vice-President, NAPA Pièces d’auto Quebec. “I have absolutely no doubt that these young men and women will embark on wonderful careers and breathe new life into our industry.”

André Couture, NAPA Autopro Regional Director for Quebec, reminded attendees of how important it is to give students a seat at the table during industry events. “By inviting them to the congress, we give them the opportunity to join our network, make contact with workshop owners and participate in the conference and various activities. At the end of the day, everyone benefits. Workshop owners also appreciate the opportunity to meet with the next generation of technicians.”

The selection committee was made up of Serge Pelletier, former Director of the NAPA Autopro banner, Pierre Beaudoin, CAA-Québec’s former Technical Director, and Roger Goudreau, former CEO at AIA Québec.