SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Ask Shawn Kristensen a technical question about engine drivability, electrical fundamentals or diesel, and he'll likely rattle off the answer, no problem.
Yellowknife Motors automotive service technician apprentice Shawn Kristensen is hard at work in the downtown dealership's service garage on Friday. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL photo
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The Yellowknife Motors automotive service technician apprentice is on his way to getting his Red Seal under a certified journeyman at the downtown car dealership, and when he's not on the job, he's acing his classes at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.
There are currently more than 230 apprentices in Yellowknife, and Kristensen is among a number of North Slave region apprentices recently recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment for top marks in the training system, which combines on-the-job training with in-school training.
"Usually, mechanics they'll have their knack for certain things. Most people will like engines, some people will like suspension, and then you'll have transmissions and driveline sort of thing," Kristensen said, recalling some of the bases covered in the technical part of his apprenticeship program at NAIT. "Third year when I got my high marks was all drivability, electrical fundamentals, we touched base on diesel, and those are the kind of interests that I have," he said. "I've always liked trouble shooting and I liked the electrical portion of it."
Born and raised in Yellowknife, Kristensen, whose father is a journeyman heavy duty and automotive mechanic, has always had a knack for vehicles.
When he approached Yellowknife Motors service manager Laramie McKerrall about an apprenticeship, he showed he demonstrated a keen interest in working in the automotive trade, McKerral told Yellowknifer.
"He has continued to show that he has a natural aptitude for the automotive repair trade," she said, adding Kristensen's strong understanding of the new technology that manufacturers are putting in vehicles will help him in his career as an automotive service technician.
The in-school performance, which is usually two months out of each year in a four-year apprenticeship program, is critical, said Michael Saturnino, North Slave regional superintendent of the department's service centre, explaining why awards are given for top marks.
"The technical training piece is extremely important. That's where they learn the theory of the trade," he said. "So on the job they'll learn hands on and how to apply the theory but the theory is where they get that technical training. So it's a critical part of the apprenticeship program and also in terms of being able to meet the standards of the program.
"It's a lot of work and these apprentices put a lot of work into their program and they put a lot of effort when they do go to school and this is the department's way of being able to recognize individuals who do well in school," Saturnino said.
Kristensen returns to school for his final year at the end of next month, and will graduate from the apprenticeship program after writing his final automotive service technician examination in June.
"I'll have my ticket," he said. "I'll have my Red Seal, interprovincial."
