For Youth - What to Ask

Asking questions is a great way to explore your options and your future. We have put together a list of questions you can use to help you decide if you'd like to work in motive power repair and service. These questions, and the answers you receive, will give you valuable information as you start off on your career journey. Don't worry about being too curious - you have a right to ask these questions and people working in the industry are usually more than happy to help you get the information you need to make the right choices about your future. 

Job Shadowing, Co-op Placements, Work Experience Opportunities or Work Site Visits
Exploring Post-Secondary Education
Exploring Workplace Training and Employment 

Job Shadowing, Co-op Placements, Work Experience Opportunities or Work Site Visits

If you're not sure of the career you want, job shadowing, work site visits and co-op programs are a great way to find out more about any career. When you're at a work site, you get to talk to someone who is actually doing the work. You'll get the answers you need to decide if a job is right or wrong for you. Here are some questions you might want to ask someone working in the industry:

 


What high school courses did you take that have helped you?
What level of education do you need for your job?
Did you enter an apprenticeship program right after high school or 
did you first go through a post-secondary school program? 
What factors influenced your decision?
Why did you decide to work in the automotive repair and service industry?
What do you like most about your current position? What do you like the least?
Is safety an important factor in your work?
Are there any long-term health factors to consider on the job or in the workplace?
What summer or part-time jobs helped you gain some of the skills needed to work in this area?
What skills are the most important to be successful in your position?
Do you believe it's still necessary to continue your training? 
What other career options do you hope to pursue in the future? 

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Exploring Post-Secondary Education

Post-secondary education usually means any formal, classroom training that happens after you've graduated from Grade 12. This includes university, community college and private training. Some post-secondary programs are accredited. The courses have been measured against standards set by the industry, and the courses meet or exceed those standards. Accredited programs benefit you as a student because employers recognize the value of graduates from accredited programs.  Here are some questions to ask if you feel that post-secondary education is the way you want to go:

 


How does your program differ from those at other schools?
Which organization or organizations have accredited your motive power programs?
Which local employers know about your program accreditation?
What is the placement rate for your recent program graduates?
What positions do your graduates typically hold five and ten years after graduation?
Do you offer any continuing education and post-graduate programs related to motive power? 

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Exploring Workplace Training and Employment

Some people prefer to jump right in and get their training on-the-job rather than in a classroom. The opportunity to learn valuable skills and abilities in a hands-on environment just suits them better. If you would rather get your training while working, here are some questions to ask your potential employer:



What specific service features does your business have that makes it
different from others?
Do you have a workplace mentor or coach to guide me in my training period?
Do you regularly assess the skills of your employees and 
identify their training needs and if there are any skills gaps?
What in-house training opportunities do you offer?
Do you encourage your employees to seek further training opportunities?
What continuing education courses and post-graduate programs do you encourage your employees to take?
What tools, small equipment and personal protection will I be required to supply?
What are the health and safety practices in your workplace?

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