It was a day of recognition and pride. On Monday, May 8th, BCIT and Honda held a celebration for the first graduating class of the Honda/Acura Automotive Technician Foundation program.
Honda approached BCIT to collaborate on a program that would help them get the professionals they needed. As a major employer in the automotive industry, Honda was struggling to attract the right talent to fill their anticipated skills shortage. This new program helps to fill that gap.
“When we did our research on who we wanted to partner with, BCIT definitely stood out as an industry leader,” explains Neel Ahuja, Zone Manager at Honda Canada. “We knew that the high-end expertise delivered by BCIT will ensure graduates can hit the ground running.”
Honda’s faith was not misplaced. The inaugural class has been a resounding success.
In a heartfelt speech to graduates, Honda’s Field Engineering Specialist, Martin Creasey said he was ”very impressed watching the students fully engage, be excited, and excel during their time at our training centre.”
Parts of the program is delivered at Honda’s training centre in Richmond and students work alongside industry professionals at Honda/Acura dealerships during their practicums.
“No matter where you are in your career,” Neel Ahuja told the graduates, “you will always be a part of the Honda family.”
In fact, 90% of the 14 graduates have received a job offer before finishing their final exams. Victor Lam was offered a part-time job on the third day of his practicum and will be starting as an apprentice at Pacific Honda June 1. The success rates tell BCIT Automotive Associate Dean, Mubasher Faruki, the program delivered on its promises.
“Providing students the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry professionals and learn first-hand where their training will take them is really what we’re after here with this program,” he says.
Visit the photo gallery for more images of the celebration luncheon.
Enrollment is now open for the September 2017 intake.