A Mature Student’s Journey From High School Diploma to Automotive Instructor

At 16, Pike dropped out of high school to relish in his adolescent years. A few short years later, he found himself at a crossroads, with no clear career path but a desire for a fresh start.

“One day it dawned on me that I couldn’t do what I was doing forever because it wasn’t like I had a professional career coming,” said Pike. “You realize you have to grow up and overcome the hurdle to return to high school, and if you don’t do it at a certain time, you may never get the opportunity again.”

Pike moved to Brandon in 2009 to live with his mother and attend the Centre for Adult Learning (CAL), formerly known as the Adult Collegiate, to complete his grades 11 and 12.

Not only did he achieve academic success – graduating with honours in 2010 – but his leadership skills set him apart, and his peers nominated him to be the valedictorian.

He knew many people felt the odds of success were against him, given that he had left high school before graduating.

“That was a big moment for me. I always look back at that as a special time and the opportunity to prove that I wasn’t that same person everyone thought I was,” said Pike. “It felt good to lead the class.”

After receiving his high school diploma, Pike realized he didn't want to continue his current job as a cook. He spoke with a success advisor from the Adult Collegiate to discover his career options. When the advisor asked, “What do you want to do?” he unknowingly responded with a situation he encountered the day before – an annoyance with a $1,200 charge from the mechanic to fix his car.

I told her I don’t want to pay anyone to fix my car ever again.

His transition from the Adult Collegiate to the Automotive Technician program qualified him for a bridging award, which helped give him the tools he needed to succeed in the classroom.

“I was able to purchase a computer for school. It also helped lessen the financial stress and allowed me to focus on my studies.”

He also received the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association Scholarship for $1,000.

During both of his stints at Assiniboine, Pike was a member of the ACC Student Association (ACCSA), serving as the Vice President of Academics, and was instrumental in establishing the ACCSA at the North Hill Campus.

I wanted to continue my leadership experience and be a voice for students.

He graduated with honours from the Automotive Technician program in June 2011 and transitioned to his first job at Integra Tire in Souris.

After a few years in the industry working in smaller automotive shops, he decided to transition to a larger shop, Kelleher Ford, to advance his certification and pursue the Apprenticeship program.

In April 2016, he earned his Automotive Technician Red Seal.

His thirst for knowledge continued, attending more than 15 factory training courses and nearly 200 online courses.

Pike spent the next 13 years in the automotive industry, working his way up from automotive technician to shop foreman. He was reputable for working on imported vehicles through his experience at Fowler Nissan.

As a single father, Pike decided to step away from his job at the beginning of the pandemic to support his young daughter, Rachel, while she was remotely learning.

Once he decided to return to the workforce, Pike felt it was time for a change.

I’ve always been very driven, so when I heard of the instructor opportunity at Assiniboine, I felt it was the next step in my career,

Pike started his position as an instructor in the Automotive Technician program in September 2020.

“For me, it’s not just about teaching students how to fix cars,” said Pike. “I teach them the skills they’ll need to succeed in the industry.”

A clean and organized mechanic makes more money, he added.

Despite facing numerous hurdles, Pike's determination, commitment, and trust in himself enabled him to overcome many obstacles to get where he is today.

“There are probably hundreds of people I grew up with that were really shocked when my education and career fell into place as it did,” said Pike. “I don’t think anyone saw me achieving this.”

Every year on Pike’s birthday, his mother reminds him of how far he’s come.

“I’d like to say that I am one of the lucky ones, but that would be a false statement. Nothing was handed to me. I pushed myself and proved my commitment and tenacity for everything I have achieved.”

Pike encourages those returning to school as adult learners to be proud and celebrate all successes – big or small.

We need to push ourselves to find that inner strength and energy to strive for a better mark or top the mark we received the first time. Remind yourself to schedule time for that utterly important assignment you don’t want to do - because it’s important. Learn to control your choices and priorities to reach that upper limit you may not have known you could.