New, state of the art, automotive learning environment is launched at local school

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By Peter Assaff

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A new program unveiled at Bathurst High School last month will give students interested in becoming automotive technicians a good head start.

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Peter Assaff/Northern Light Photo

Bathurst High School automotive technology teacher Wally Knowles (left) John Correia, vice president of sales and marketing for Coast Tire; checked out illuminated wall displays that are part of the newly opened automotive learning environment at the school.

The school's new Automotive Learning Environment, officially launched on Sept. 24, is a joint partnership between Coast Tire, Henry White Insurance and BHS.

"The industry is short of automotive technicians and not a whole lot of high schools have a program like this," said John Correia, vice-president of sales and marketing for Coast Tire, who was on hand to unveil the program. "We as a company are very pleased to be linked in partnership with Bathurst High School and a group of highly motivated teachers, supervisors and principal to support an automotive program learning environment for the students in this area."

As part of that partnership, Coast Tire and Henry White Insurance have teamed up to donate a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM simulated customized car to the school.

The vehicle, which has a fully functional motor, has been stripped down to reveal the inner workings of the front end of the car to allow students to utilize newly acquired diagnostic tools.

Coast Tire has also donated illuminated wall displays detailing everything from engine diagnostics to air conditioning, as well as brakes, vehicle alignment systems, vehicle suspensions and electrical systems. They will also provide on the job training at their Bathurst store.

"Under the leadership of Jacques Boudreau, we will have a student there eight hours per week from October till June," explained Mr. Correia. "Car Quest, our automotive part supplier for Coast Tire, will also do a two-day training curriculum right at the high school with all the students."

"(In addition) we will host an automotive day in Saint John," he added. "It will consist of an Irving Oil Refinery tour, a Car Quest exhibition tour, and a community college tour of the automotive program in Saint John. Last but not least, Coast Tire will also hold a career day at Bathurst High School for any students interested in a career with our company."

Wally Knowles, automotive technology teacher at BHS, said it is a positive step forward for his students.

"I feel it is very important because it is giving the kids a realistic environment," he said. "They are able to see what a real life job is like."

Close to 60 students will take advantage of the automotive learning environment at the school each semester.