AARO Introduces New Student Bursary for the Automotive Trades

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) announced a new program aimed at getting more students working in the automotive trades. They are making five $2,000 bursaries available to students to enter or further their studies that will lead to a career in the automotive aftermarket industry.

“AARO is investing in our youth to ensure we have people in the trades,” said Diane Freeman, executive director of AARO. “Helping to fund youth to enter this great industry is something near and dear to my heart.”

Applicants must either be a graduating high school senior or have graduated from high school within the past two years. They must be enrolling in a college-level program, university or an accredited automotive technical program through either a CAMPE (Canadian Association of Motive Power Educators) college or a CARS-approved institute.

The bursaries are funded by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) and OARA Members will help with the selection process.

“It is important to auto recyclers to have a healthy and vibrant auto repair industry, and we couldn’t think of better partners than the AARO group. They continue to do great things for their Members,” said Steve Fletcher, OARA executive director.

Rudy Graf, AARO president and owner of Graf Auto Centre comments that “This is the first for AARO and we are proud to be working with OARA to help drive growth in young people entering the trades.”

Applications will be posted on the AARO Website (www.aaro.ca) or interested applicants or repairers can contact AARO directly at 1-800-268-5400.   

The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) is a voluntary industry association representing 130 businesses primarily engaged in the acquisition of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), their proper treatment and handling, and the subsequent recycling or re-use of the parts and materials recovered. www.oara.com 519-858-8761

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) is a not for profit association representing over 850 businesses in the automotive repair sector of our industry. AARO has been a voice for service providers for more than 70 years. www.aaro.ca 1-800-268-5400