One of the most gratifying elements of writing this feature is the opportunity it provides to speak with participants of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

Andrea Colucci, left, aspiring to be an automotive service technician.

Energetic, engaged, productive and confident -- these kids are key to OYAP's overwhelming success, and they reassure us all that the future is bright.

But even in the company of highly motivated people, Andrea Colucci stands out. A senior at Earl Haig Secondary School, Colucci aspires to become an automotive service technician. He will graduate from high school this month, his summer job is already locked in, and he's registered to continue his co-op education at Centennial College this fall.

"Andrea is not the kind of guy to sit around and wait for things to happen," says Helen Eisen, co-op educator at Earl Haig Secondary School. "In fact, he came to us with a job placement and that's not the way our co-op program typically unfolds."

"When I decided to go for my mechanic's license, I did a little research," Colucci says. "The college encourages apprentices to stay with one good placement -- and since Victor's Tire and Automotive at Yonge and Eglinton does all engine repairs, they're equipped to teach me everything I need to know.

The people here are also a really good fit for me -- it's a great work environment."

"We have since developed other partnerships with this placement -- but it was Andrea who made the introduction," Eisen says. "His initiative has paid off, not only in finding the job, but also in learning as much as possible -- Andrea wants to do everything and Victor's Tire is allowing him the opportunities to really participate."

Frank Monachino is Colucci's supervisor at Victor's Tire and Automotive. He is hugely pleased with his protege's ability.

"Andrea is an excellent, excellent man," Monachino says. "It's not everyday that you meet this kind of enthusiasm to pursue a skilled trade -- he comes in early, he works hard and he takes a lot of initiative."

During the week, Colucci works strictly for hours -- first to complete his high school requirements, and now to apply to his college apprenticeship.

But Victor's Tire and Automotive has hired him to work every Saturday as well. This is paid work and the hours go directly toward his automotive technician apprenticeship. It's proof of the incredible flexibility of OYAP, a program that recognizes the apprentice's time spent. It's also a testament to Colucci's strong work ethic at the placement.

And every little bit helps. Colucci will need 9,000 apprentice hours and 120 days at Centennial College to qualify for his licensing exam. His college requirements are fully funded through OYAP and he already has a full time job with Victor's Tire after high school graduation this month.

"I have choices regarding my college approach, but I'm already pretty sure I'll take classes one day a week for about two and a half years," Colucci says. "That way, I'm learning hands-on with my placement on a continued basis instead of breaking for eight-week blocks in-class -- it will take longer, but I prefer to be in the shop all the time."

Evidently Colucci has things well in hand. With trademark enthusiasm, his goals are clear and his path is organized. And with the support of dedicated educators at Earl Haig Secondary, the savvy risk taking and generous involvement of Victor's Tire and Automotive, and the financial backing of OYAP, Andrea Colucci's success is a sure thing.

(Aunie Edwards is a Guelph-based freelance writer who can be reached at a.edwards@rogers.com.)



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