If you ever get into a nasty fender bender, you may want Robert Scholtens to take care of your car.
The recent graduate of Vancouver Community College’s collision repair and refinishing program has come in first and second in two skills competitions for his ability to fix crumpled and crunched vehicles.
“I’ve liked cars pretty much my whole life,” said Scholtens, 24, who now works at Pine Tree Autobody in his hometown of Powell River.
“I was excited to learn about all the new metals and how cars are designed nowadays compared to old technology. Cars are a lot safer now.”
Rory Morrison, head of the program, said it gives students a leg up in the industry because after completing the courses, they can earn a Level 1 trades credit and hours toward their mandatory 400 apprenticeship hours.
“VCC has grown with the industry and its industry partners to provide students with the highest quality (education). There’s rarely a shop I visit that doesn’t have VCC alumni employed.”
