Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

Greg Murphy enjoys working on RVs.

Tools in hand, repairing the roof of a leaky trailer, Greg Murphy's circumstances have improved dramatically in the last six months. Since learning from a friend about the TIREC (Transportation Industry Regional Employment Council) Youth Employment Program, he has gone from scrambling for work, to working full-time.

"I was living in Calgary and having a tough time finding a job," explained Murphy. "A friend came from Red Deer and told me to go to TIREC, and I had a job. What I mainly wanted to get into was stereo installation, but they couldn't find anything like that. I said 'what else do you have?' They said we have RV work. Now, I'm learning a lot."

The TIREC Youth Employment Program began in July 1998 to introduce 18 to 29 year olds to a growing industry and give them an opportunity to experience potential careers first-hand. To take part, people must be unemployed or under-employed and interested in one of the over 20 positions available in the transportation industry.

Murphy initially worked at International RV on a three-week work experience program arranged through TIREC. By the end of his placement, the employer liked Murphy's attitude and abilities, and offered him a full-time job. "If (people) are having a tough time getting into a certain field, TIREC would help in a big way," he said. "Getting into a field and getting your foot in the door is a big problem. This is a good shop."

While the program keys on work experience placements, some direct hires will occur. But Shauna Bonnett, program co-ordinator, stresses that it's not a job placement centre.

"The focus is the work experience," she said. "It allows us to show the industry to young people and young people to the industry. They get the opportunity to try for three weeks and assess 'Is this really for me? Is this in line with my goals?' It's also an opportunity for employers to assess them for the future."

Work experience opportunities are available in a variety of occupations, a partial list includes: automotive and heavy duty technicians; parts people; recreational vehicle technicians; autobody preparation workers and technicians; delivery drivers; auto detailers; lot attendants; brake specialists; or dispatchers. During the three-week placement, TIREC representatives will meet with the employer and the employee separately to discuss how things are working out and pass along any compliments or suggestions for change.

So far, over 200 people have registered for the program, and over 100 have been placed in three-week work experience positions, or hired directly. Once the work experience placement is complete, employers may offer regular work opportunities, although neither the work placement participant, nor the employer, are committed to each other afterward.

"Our hope is there's a good match, and the employer makes an offer that's accepted," Bonnett said. "That's our ultimate success."

Those interested in the program should call 212-1169 to ensure someone's in the office to discuss their plans further. Anyone venturing to the office in Builder's Park is expected to take along a resume and work references. At the initial meeting, a discussion of the industry, employment goals and history will be discussed.

"This is still an industry where you can work hard and move up," Bonnett said. "A lot of people in management have started at the bottom and worked their way up."

More Possibilities

With the transportation industry predicting steady growth for the next few years, that means many employment opportunities for young workers in the years ahead. The following is a look at some of the ways you can become qualified to work in the transportation industry.

Motive Action Mechanical/Auto Body/Parts Merchandising Program for Youth provides 24 weeks of training to 18-30-year-olds who are unemployed. Those who qualify for the program choose one of the three streams mentioned in the program title and take four weeks of on-site skill development, life management and theoretical training, four weeks of work experience, two weeks of on-site specialized training, and six weeks with an industry employer. Candidates must have an established insurance benefit period, or have ended one within the 36 months prior to the date of requesting assistance; have established a claim for maternity or parental benefits within the 60 months prior to the date of requesting assistance; in receipt of Social Assistance or an unemployed Albertan. Call 287-3132 for more information.

Those in high school can complete their schooling while enrolling in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This program allows participants to earn credit toward an apprenticeship in a number of transportation-related trades, and credits toward a high school diploma. For more information about RAP contact your high school counsellor, the nearest Advanced Education and Career Development Centre, call The Career Information Hotline at 1-800 661-3753, or visit www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.

SAIT offers numerous courses related to the transportation industry including: autobody technician; automotive service technician; heavy equipment technician; partsman; transport refrigeration mechanic; and recreation vehicle mechanic. A course unique to SAIT is in automotive marketing, an extension of the business administration program. Pre-employment courses include autobody, heavy duty mechanic, and motor mechanic training.

NAIT also offers several transportation related courses including: autobody technician; automotive service technician; heavy equipment technician; and parts technician . An autobody repair certificate is also available.

Those looking to get into the driving side of the industry may increase their chances for employment by taking specialized courses on topics such as air brakes, the transportation of dangerous goods, or even entry level driving training courses. The Alberta Trucking Association provides a list of members and the courses that are offered through these businesses.

For those looking at motorcycle mechanics, check out the Fairview College site.