From Co-op Student to Licensed Technician: Michael’s Journey with Halton Honda

In March 2019, Michael embarked on his automotive career with Halton Honda as a Grade 12 co-op student. It didn’t take long for his hard work and dedication to shine through, and within two or three months, the service manager recognized his potential. Michael was offered a full-time position in the lube bay, a crucial step for anyone aspiring to thrive in the automotive industry.

Michael-the-Apprentice

The lube bay serves as a proving ground where new employees experience the rigorous demands of the job, especially during the first tire season. This period is known to be particularly intense as the volume of vehicles coming in for tire changes and maintenance increases dramatically, testing the stamina and skill of the entire team. New employees quickly learn the importance of efficiency, accuracy, and teamwork under pressure. The fast-paced environment requires technicians to adapt quickly, think on their feet, and develop a strong work ethic.

Michael excelled in this challenging environment for the next two years, consistently demonstrating his ability to handle the physical demands and technical complexities of the job. This practical experience in the lube bay laid a strong foundation for his future growth and development as a skilled automotive technician.

Aspiring to advance his career, Michael decided to transition to the big shop as an apprentice, which meant returning to school. Ontario mandates that technicians not only complete in-class courses but also apprentice to gain real-world experience and hands-on problem-solving skills. Michael found that the practical, day-to-day work he performed was invaluable when it came to his final exams. “I barely had to study because you’re working on it every day,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, Michael shares, “I liked the in-class aspect, learning exactly how things work. I always knew I wanted to work in this trade, and I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands.”

Now a proud driver of a Civic Si, Michael talks about his passion for his work. “What I like most about this job is the satisfaction of completing a job. You know? Like when it’s all done and fixed right.” However, he acknowledges the challenges, adding, “I guess my least favorite part is when you’re deep into a diagnosis, spending hours tracing wires, and then you have to call Honda’s tech line. The waiting can be frustrating, especially when a part needs to be ordered and you have to wait for it to arrive.”

When asked about his favorite car to work on, Michael quickly replies, “Civic.” He laughs as he recalls his first car, a BMW. Did he like working on that? “No! That’s why I got rid of it!” he says, explaining, “The higher-end cars have modules for everything, and they’re a lot more expensive to fix.”

Michael isn’t the only one in his family working at Halton Honda. His Aunt CeCe is a Finance Manager, and recently, his younger brother completed his first school year and started full-time as a lube tech.

Our Service Manager, Domenic Almonte is currently on his honeymoon and couldn’t comment, but Cheryl McClelland, our Tower Operator, had high praise for Michael. “Even as an apprentice, he solved a lot of harder issues that surprised me. A lot of electrical problems and more challenging jobs. He has a natural gift.”

Join all of us at Halton Honda in congratulating Michael on his new technician license. It’s a remarkable achievement and well-deserved!