Each September for the past 23 years in Barrie, Ontario, students at Georgian College's Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) host North America's largest outdoor Auto Show. The recent 2008 installment was yet another success.
Our Justin Pritchard talked to Jesstine Dombrosky, this year's show co-ordinator, about the challenges and rewards that make up the hectic early weeks of class for CAI students.
J.P.: Tell us about this year's show? How many manufacturers were represented? What was new and exciting? Did it rain again?
J.D.: This year's auto show was a great success. The weather cooperated all weekend, with three days of unprecedented sunshine. Visitors could check out 18 manufacturer exhibits as well as a variety of other exhibitors.
This year we introduced a few new aspects to the show, going along with our "green" theme. One highlight was a "Drive Experience" program that gave visitors a chance drive a hybrid or low emissions vehicle provided by manufacturers.
J.P.: How do the students benefit from the auto show? Is it part of their curriculum? How do the automakers benefit? What about the show-goers?
J.D.: The show is a great opportunity for everyone involved. It gives CAI students at Georgian the chance to get involved with a manufacturer within the first few weeks of school. The industry is very supportive of the show, and recognizes the value in our students- and the fact that CAI graduates are the future of the industry.
The visitors also have a chance to check out new vehicles from different manufacturers without sales people present. If someone's in the market for a new vehicle, it's a wonderful opportunity to get information on a ton of vehicles with no pressure.
J.P.: How are students teamed up with each automaker? Does working at the Auto Show help students to secure a job down the line?
J.D.: Each student in their first year of the degree or diploma program is randomly placed on manufacturer or support teams. These teams are led by second or third-year students who are chosen by the student committee early in the year.
These positions allow students the opportunity to network within the industry and make connections for the future.
J.P.: What stays the same with the Auto Show every year? What changes?
J.D.: A new student committee is hired each fall to begin the Auto Show process. They work with Auto Show Manager Hank Thibideau and various other College staff to plan the show.
Each student committee has the opportunity to put their own mark on the show and develop a new theme and logo. This year we introduced an improved green theme to the show, and implemented ways for Georgian - and the show -to become more environmentally friendly.
Our Justin Pritchard talked to Jesstine Dombrosky, this year's show co-ordinator, about the challenges and rewards that make up the hectic early weeks of class for CAI students.
 |
J.P.: Tell us about this year's show? How many manufacturers were represented? What was new and exciting? Did it rain again?
J.D.: This year's auto show was a great success. The weather cooperated all weekend, with three days of unprecedented sunshine. Visitors could check out 18 manufacturer exhibits as well as a variety of other exhibitors.
This year we introduced a few new aspects to the show, going along with our "green" theme. One highlight was a "Drive Experience" program that gave visitors a chance drive a hybrid or low emissions vehicle provided by manufacturers.
J.P.: How do the students benefit from the auto show? Is it part of their curriculum? How do the automakers benefit? What about the show-goers?
J.D.: The show is a great opportunity for everyone involved. It gives CAI students at Georgian the chance to get involved with a manufacturer within the first few weeks of school. The industry is very supportive of the show, and recognizes the value in our students- and the fact that CAI graduates are the future of the industry.
The visitors also have a chance to check out new vehicles from different manufacturers without sales people present. If someone's in the market for a new vehicle, it's a wonderful opportunity to get information on a ton of vehicles with no pressure.
J.P.: How are students teamed up with each automaker? Does working at the Auto Show help students to secure a job down the line?
J.D.: Each student in their first year of the degree or diploma program is randomly placed on manufacturer or support teams. These teams are led by second or third-year students who are chosen by the student committee early in the year.
These positions allow students the opportunity to network within the industry and make connections for the future.
J.P.: What stays the same with the Auto Show every year? What changes?
J.D.: A new student committee is hired each fall to begin the Auto Show process. They work with Auto Show Manager Hank Thibideau and various other College staff to plan the show.
Each student committee has the opportunity to put their own mark on the show and develop a new theme and logo. This year we introduced an improved green theme to the show, and implemented ways for Georgian - and the show -to become more environmentally friendly.