A drive to succeed: Exploring a new career with Mohamed Hammad
Mohamed Hammad of Ottawa, Ontario, knew he wanted to have a successful automotive career in Canada—but was not sure where to start. When he heard about the Innovation in Automotive Training program, he immediately signed up to further dive into the world of the automotive trades and learn the foundations of what it takes to excel in the industry.
Mohamed was able to find his career path in Canada’s automotive industry quickly after he completed the Career Exploration training from the Innovation in Automotive Training program—but he is not done just yet. Mohamed hopes to take more courses to continue to improve his skillsets and knowledge about the industry to further his career.
What piqued your interest in the Innovation in Automotive Training program?
Before the program, I worked as a mechanic—in construction, oil, and gas, in Egypt and Kuwait. When I came to Canada, I wanted to get right into it and build a successful career, so I joined the Career Exploration training! I wanted to work in the automotive industry, but I knew that I needed to get Canadian training in order to do so and establish myself. This program interested me because I wanted to grow my career here and now have that foundational knowledge I needed to succeed.
Overall, how was your experience in the Career Exploration training?
It was excellent! My skills were appreciated, but I was pushed to learn more about the industry. The course covered many different topics, such as challenges and safety precautions to take when working with electric vehicles (EVs), the basics of vehicle maintenance, wheel realignment, foundational knowledge of the tools required for an Automotive Service Technician, diagnostic trouble codes, and ensuring satisfactory automotive customer service.
What I really enjoyed was that it was a very collaborative, collective atmosphere—we, as classmates, all learned from each other and supported each other. Being in that type of professional community was great; we all wanted to improve our skills and helped each other do so.
Our instructor, of course, was fantastic. He truly cared about us, our skills, and our future careers. Any question that was a “how?”, he answered it so thoroughly and was encouraging throughout the whole course. It was a very positive experience with plenty of learning opportunities. I would not hesitate to take more courses in the future.
How has the training supported you in your career so far?
This course gave me more confidence and trust in my skills. It really cemented the fact that I want to work in this industry and that I am good at it!
After I finished the course, I got a job almost immediately as an apprentice mechanic at a dealership. The completion of it gave my resume an extra boost and opened many opportunities so that I can continue doing what I love for a career.
What would you say the value of this training is?
Material in the Career Exploration training is relevant, important, and applies to all sorts of learning styles. For those interested in a career in the automotive industry, I highly recommend this course. It covers everything you need to know about a career in this industry and if it is right for you.
About the Innovation in Automotive Training program
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has partnered with Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, St. Lawrence College, and Plug N’ Drive to offer free trainings to address the shortage of those in the automotive trades in Ontario. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
The Innovation in Automotive Training program includes numerous types of training and up-skilling opportunities, such as Career Exploration, which includes firsthand learning and experience for those looking to join the automotive trades.