Exploring Emilio Kassimatis’ Journey at ATC Automotive School
Before enrolling at ATC’s automotive training in Montreal, Emilio Kassimatis had never changed a tire. “I started this school a few months ago. And before that, I really didn’t have any experience with cars. I never worked on cars before,” he admits.
What he did have was a lifelong love of working with his hands and the desire to build a real career doing something meaningful. Today, he’s deep into his training, confidently fixing family cars on weekends and learning skills he never thought he’d master so quickly. In this blog post, Emilio tells us about his experiences, motivations, and aspirations so far in his automotive training journey.
From Curiosity to Confidence
Emilio was drawn to ATC Montreal after learning that many students start the program without prior mechanical experience. What stood out to him immediately was the hands-on environment, where learning is as much about practice as it is about theory. “I really like this because it’s a lot of hands-on work. We have the shop back there, so we can learn from the computer and then actually go and practice and learn with our hands.”
On his first day, Emilio met with a staff member named Antonio, who walked him through the classroom and shop areas. What stood out wasn’t just the automotive school, but the people. “I got to see that everyone here really enjoyed their time… I saw people actually doing things in the shop, and it wasn’t just computer work. So I really knew this might have been a good option for me.
”The balance of classroom instruction and practical training helped him quickly find his footing. Today, he’s building skills that are already making an impact at home. “Even on the weekends, sometimes my family has something wrong with their car. They ask me if I don’t know the answer, and I ask Mr. Eunice, who always answers. Then I’ll go and fix the car myself.”
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
One of the biggest factors in Emilio’s progress has been his instructor, Mr. Eunice, whose energy and expertise make each day in the shop more motivating. “He’s always really excited to be here. He answers our questions… and always gives us great tips that we can use for the future,” he enthuses.
Having that kind of mentorship gave Emilio the confidence to push forward, even when tasks were unfamiliar or challenging. One of his proudest achievements? Getting comfortable with bearings and brakes, and becoming impressively fast at tire changes.
A Place That Sets You up for Success
For Emilio, the support doesn’t end when the lesson is over. One thing that set ATC’s automotive training apart was its focus on helping students transition into the workforce. “In the past, I’ve had a hard time finding a new job. So for them to be backing us up to help us find another job… It’s motivating. You’re not scared to go, okay, what’s next?”
That kind of reassurance can make a huge difference for students who are returning to school after time away or switching careers entirely.
Advice to Future Automotive Training Students
Now well into the program, Emilio wants others to know that experience, or the lack of it, shouldn’t stop anyone from pursuing this path. “I’ve seen people from any background. I haven’t worked on cars before, and I’m here and I’m doing pretty good. So even if they don’t have experience, I’m pretty sure they’ll manage.”
See the full interview here: From No Experience to Fixing Cars: Emilio’s Story at ATC Montreal
Emilio Kassimatis’ journey at ATC Montreal is a powerful reminder that the right training, mentors, and environment can transform someone with no prior experience into a confident, capable professional. Our automotive school doesn’t just teach you to fix cars; it gives you the tools to build a future.
If you’re ready to make that leap, ATC’s automotive training programs in Montreal are here to help you succeed.
Do you want to explore programs at our auto mechanic school?
Contact ATC Montreal for more information.
