Zip ties, Duct tape and a Race Win

What a team!!! At Flamboro we unloaded the car and set the pace for others to follow. Dave, Jim and Scott had the car all tuned up and flying. Our starting position of 10th had us making a charge to the front passing 1 car per lap. The plan was working until lap #2 when a car came from the outside pushing us into the infield. We drove the best we could from last to 9th at the checkers with some major vibrations. We only had 30 Min's to piece the car back together, we aligned the front wheels and used zip ties and duct tape to hold the front end on. Starting on the pole we went flag to flag for the heat win. The feature was next and we started in 8th. Trying hard all race long and passing into 4th position with 1 lap to go, more contact from another car turned us into a third car. We ended up pushing a car across the finish line sideways. The fans loved it and said it was an exciting finish. We finished in 7th. Up this week is ,welding, electrical, body work, alignment and lots of new parts. Thanks to all who pitched in to get us back on track so quickly. See you at the shop for some quality O.T.

2008 Starts off with a Bang

The apprenticesearch.com team rolled into Sunset Speedway expecting great results. First heat action had several cautions in which we sustained front end damage. We kept the car on the track and pushed hard for a 9th place finish. After repairs in the pits we came back in heat #2 with a strong 2nd place finish. The feature event went by with a blur. We passed several cars en route to another 2nd place finish. At the checkered flag we were all over the leaders rear bumper. We head to Flamboro 4th place in points.

Ask the experts "About Skilled Trades" on the radio

It was great to get on and discuss the trades with such a large listening audience. As a racer it’s great to get exposure from outside the usual racing radio and magazines. For those of you who didn’t know, my race team uses skilled trades people throughout the year as a pit crew and general race support. Whenever we go testing, each individual brings different skills to the track. From our welder, electrician, machinist, small engine tech, bricklayers and even our hairdresser everyone helps out. (I forgot that my mom was a hairdresser) Probably the most important part of the team is that they are all professionals, when a problem comes up (crashes etc) they all jump right in and go to work. We communicate well and are back on the track in a very short time, and the car works the same even after heavy damage.

Big Plans for Tim Norris this Summer..........

Tim is prepared to keep balance with his work and family life. In the midst of all of Tim's activities he will be building a new shop this summer..... Check back for updates and see the progress.

Tim Norris 2007 Pro Challenge Series WINNER!

Tim is looking forward to this season's busy race line-up and is psyched after last years win.

This is the 2008 Pro Challenge -Schedule - If you see Tim at the track don't be afraid to say Hi, and tell him you saw his info on our blog.

Who Can Use It?

Registration on the database section of the website is limited to employers and job seekers in Peel-Halton-Dufferin-Hamilton-Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara and Haldimand-Norfolk-Brantford areas only at present. Anyone can access information on the website.

apprenticesearch.com provides a template that could be used in any community in Canada. The website is unique because it contains both information about apprenticeship and a matching database.

How can we bring it to our community?

In most communities there are non-profits and other organizations (training institutions, local boards, boards of education, employer groups/associations, Industry-Education Councils) with an interest in working together to alleviate skill shortages. In order for apprenticesearch.com to be effective in a community, the network needs to be in place and be supportive of this initiative. Although one group may take the lead in becoming a local champion (and local administrator) for the website, they will need the cooperation of all parties in the community served to be successful.

If you are interested in investigating how the apprenticesearch.com solution could work for your community, contact the Halton Industry Education Council at 905-634-2575.