Largest outdoor auto show a valuable learning experience and event for students, the public and carmakers
It always seems to rain on opening day at Georgian College's Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) AutoShow. This year's event, held at the end of September in Barrie, Ontario, was no exception.
But grey skies and random downpours aside, nothing could darken the spirits of several hundred students who had just spent the past weeks readying the largest outdoor auto show in North America.
With special training and support from teachers and car manufacturers, the students are assigned to a particular brand and often become experts on a specific model- informing and advising show goers on its features and attributes. With exhibits from every major automaker showcasing the latest models alongside cool products from the aftermarket, the $5 admission cost was worthwhile for those looking to see the latest and greatest from the automotive industry in one venue.
There were even presentations from the OPP, Canadian Armed Forces, and Insurance Bureau of Canada to take in. Helpless car nut or simply looking for a family afternoon activity, the CAI auto show has something for everybody.
Show goers have a lot to take in, though for the students, it's all in the name of learning. The Canadian Automotive Institute is renowned for its one-of-a-kind automotive marketing and management programs- and preps students for jobs in various areas of the industry. The venue may have looked like a big car show, but for the students, it was an important 'learning-lab'.
Erik Morrison and Jerome Berube-Berger are first year students who were assigned to work with Acura for the show. Gary Grant is a second year student and the co-captain for the team. Morrison told me about the first few weeks of school.
"We get product training with Acura and spend three weeks gearing up for the show. It's required for our course, and it can set us up with a co-op down the line."
Of course, a co-op can turn into a great job too, and working on such a long-running and highly regarded auto show looks great on a resume.
It always seems to rain on opening day at Georgian College's Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) AutoShow. This year's event, held at the end of September in Barrie, Ontario, was no exception.
But grey skies and random downpours aside, nothing could darken the spirits of several hundred students who had just spent the past weeks readying the largest outdoor auto show in North America.
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| Cloudy skies did not dim the mood. |
With special training and support from teachers and car manufacturers, the students are assigned to a particular brand and often become experts on a specific model- informing and advising show goers on its features and attributes. With exhibits from every major automaker showcasing the latest models alongside cool products from the aftermarket, the $5 admission cost was worthwhile for those looking to see the latest and greatest from the automotive industry in one venue.
There were even presentations from the OPP, Canadian Armed Forces, and Insurance Bureau of Canada to take in. Helpless car nut or simply looking for a family afternoon activity, the CAI auto show has something for everybody.
Show goers have a lot to take in, though for the students, it's all in the name of learning. The Canadian Automotive Institute is renowned for its one-of-a-kind automotive marketing and management programs- and preps students for jobs in various areas of the industry. The venue may have looked like a big car show, but for the students, it was an important 'learning-lab'.
Erik Morrison and Jerome Berube-Berger are first year students who were assigned to work with Acura for the show. Gary Grant is a second year student and the co-captain for the team. Morrison told me about the first few weeks of school.
"We get product training with Acura and spend three weeks gearing up for the show. It's required for our course, and it can set us up with a co-op down the line."
Of course, a co-op can turn into a great job too, and working on such a long-running and highly regarded auto show looks great on a resume.
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| Left to right Jerome Berube-Berger, Gary Grant and Erik Morrison. |