News Article

Autobody repair ramps up in popularity


8/17/2007 1:53:33 PM


John Herlidan has turned a love of autobody repair into international recognition and a lucrative career.

Twenty-six year-old John Herlidan of Lord’s Cove is living his dream. He is working in the motor vehicle autobody repair field in St. John’s and gaining experience to reach his journeyman certification.

“I was always interested in cars and I was always around cars. One day I saw a paint job and was inspired in knowing how to do that,” says Herlidan.

When the he entered the College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Motor Vehicle Body Repairer Metal and Paint program his only experience in the auto repair business was what he had gleaned from watching his mechanic father.

“My father is the owner of R&J Auto Repairs. Since I grew up around cars, I always knew that I wanted to work on them, so I applied to CNA. I didn’t know a thing about body work. I learned everything I know at the college.”

While there, Instructor Brian Druken encouraged Herlidan to compete provincially for Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador.

“After some persuasion, I agreed and went on to represent Newfoundland and Labrador in the categories of Car Painting and Autobody Repair.”

His first national competition was in Québec City where he competed in Autobody Repair.

“At this competition, I witnessed many different skill levels from other competitors and experienced both ups and downs in my own projects. I did not win at the first competition, but I was fortunate enough to participate in a run-off competition in Edmonton for Car Painting,” he says.

“As a result of my learning experience in Québec, I was better able to cope with the pressure and perform more to my ability. Needless to say, it was an incredible surprise when they announced that I was the gold medal winner, earning me a spot on Team Canada. It was the greatest feeling of my life!”

After becoming a member of Team Canada, Herlidan was given the opportunity to train with some of Canada’s best autobody technicians, enabling him to improve his skills and confidence.

“I travelled to Paris, France and competed in their national competition to better prepare myself for the WorldSkills competition in Seoul, Korea. I placed second in France and as a result was motivated to increase my knowledge and skill level even more. When it came time for WorldSkills, I was nervous and excited.”

He says the experience was a huge rush and a thrill he will never forget.

“International competitions have opened my eyes to different cultures, trades and skill levels. The opportunity to represent Canada and compete against the rest of the world was a great honour and privilege.”

Seventeen of the best student car painters from around the world met in Seoul to compete for overall technique and style. Herlidan placed 11th.

“I believe that it was because of Skills Canada that I am even more in love with and proud of my work and trade. It has increased my skill level and provided me with great job opportunities.”

But he says he never would have had those experiences if it wasn’t for CNA.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience and I only wish people knew more about Skills Canada so they can participate in the competition. CNA prepared me well, which shows in being able to compete against other provinces in Skills Canada – provinces that have two-year programs. I was able to compete in that competition and at that level – I had the training at CNA and little experience but I did very well. The training is there if you’re willing to work hard to grasp it.”

Since he graduated in 2000, he regularly recommends the CNA program to others.

“I thought the program was great. It has good hands-on training and good in classroom training. I have recommended this program to other people. The instructors were amazing – they keep it very personal and they’ll sit down and help with anything that you need. Even now that I’m graduated, I keep in touch with them and still call them to let them know how I’m doing or to ask for advice.”

Herlidan had a job waiting for him when he graduated in 2000 and has been with his current employer, Terra Nova Motors, since 2002.

“The company has provided me with great support to compete and as a result I am still proudly working there, despite being offered jobs in locations across the country. All in all, Skills Canada has opened doors for me that I never could have imagined. My one wish is for everybody to have the chance to experience and see all the things that I have.”

He adds that there’s definitely a need for workers in this industry.

“I believe there is a need, especially here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many people who finish a trade leave the province to work away. But there are a lot of shops in the province looking for good, skilled workers. And, just from my experience, I believe the CNA trains their students very well.”

Herlidan believes you don’t need a university degree to be successful in your career and that’s why he chose to train at CNA’s nine-month program.

“Seeing the finished product and knowing I’m the one who accomplished it is my favourite part of the job. After I gain my journeyman certification I would like to return as an instructor at CNA and I’m willing to take the necessary steps to achieve that goal.”

Seats are still available at the Motor Vehicle Body Repairer Metal and Paint program at Prince Philip Drive campus.

“The program provides excellent access to an exciting field of employment,” says Colin Forward, Dean of Industrial Trades.

“New materials and processes are coming on stream all the time. As well, because of the recent rise in the number of television programs focused on customizing vehicles, there are significant opportunities for graduates to find challenging positions – not only in traditional repair work, but also in customizing shops where they can express their creativity.”

For more information or to register call (709) 758-7284, or log on to www.cna.nl.ca.