When Aiden Kennedy first set foot in a Fountain Tire shop, he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Still in high school, Aiden was just beginning to explore the skilled trades through a CAREERS internship. Fast forward, and today he’s a first-year Automotive Service Technician apprentice, charting a clear path toward journeyperson certification.
“Where I’m at now currently with my program is I’m a first year and I aim to go to school for the next four years,” says Aiden. “I haven’t started schooling yet, but I’m aiming to be an automotive service mechanic.”
His story is a perfect example of how the partnership between CAREERS and Fountain Tire is opening doors for young people across Alberta—helping them explore careers, build confidence, and get a real head start in life.
“As I worked and had more and more hours under my belt, I became more and more confident,” Aiden reflects. “And that’s when I knew—that’s what I wanted to do.”
That clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes hands-on experience, encouragement, and support from mentors who believe in the next generation. Aiden credits much of his success so far to the people he met at Fountain Tire.
“They have really awesome mentors, in my opinion, some of the best,” he says. “They really helped me ease into working in a shop environment and guided me to where I’m at today.”
Fountain Tire has long been a champion of youth in the trades. Not only do they hire students and apprentices through the CAREERS program, they actively invest in their growth—with mentorship, training, and opportunities for advancement.
Just ask Evan Morsette, Lead Technician at Fountain Tire Calgary McLeod. His journey started much the same way.
“Right out of the get-go, I went from high school right in the seat,” he says. “Wasted no time. Got my Red Seal ticket at 21.”
Now approaching 30, Evan reflects proudly on how far he’s come: “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot considering I’m just turning 30 this year. Once I have a goal, I stick to it and try to achieve it, and Fountain Tire has been aiding that success the entire way.”
Fountain Tire’s support isn’t limited to the service bays. Deanna Chandler, now Assistant Manager at the Calgary Northland location, started out as a tire technician.
“I left and pursued other job options,” she explains, “and eventually I did come back because I missed it here. I worked on the counter for a few years and showed my worth—now I’m assistant manager.”
Her advice to young people considering their options? “I would say to the fellow quiet kid, if you’re questioning your decision, just know that you’re not limited to what you are now.”
And that’s the heart of what CAREERS offers: the chance for youth to try out a career, discover what they enjoy, and begin building a future before committing to post-secondary education or training.
“Going into the skilled trades is a good choice,” says Aiden. “Every day is a different day. You’re always working on something new or a different project. It’s never boring.”
The trades also offer something many youth don’t expect so early in life: stability.
“In my opinion, by going into the trades, you can find success early,” says Evan. “The money you can make really benefits your jump start into adulthood. Starting as a teenager and looking back at it now, I don’t think I would change anything about the path I took to get here.”
Scott Kessler, Manager at Fountain Tire Calgary Northland/Bowness, sees that kind of success every day.
“Even though it might not have been their first choice when they were dreaming of being a fireman or an astronaut,” he says, “a lot of the applicants can see long-term benefits and enjoy staying with a quality company that really cares about their associates.”
That culture of care and mentorship is what keeps youth coming back—and thriving.
“Nobody’s judging you,” says Curtis Goodwin, VP of Stores for Fountain Tire in Alberta and Saskatchewan. “Everybody starts somewhere. Business leaders and their teams are eager to help you by sharing their knowledge and making sure you get off on the right foot to be successful.”
Looking back, Aiden is grateful for how far he’s come and excited about where he’s headed.
“I think it’s been really, really amazing,” he says. “Looking back at where I was when I started, and all the progress I’ve made—it’s a great feeling.”
And for Aiden, one thing is especially clear: “The shop environment is very welcoming, and Fountain Tire really makes it a family.”
Thanks to partnerships like the one between CAREERS and Fountain Tire, more Alberta youth are finding their path, building their future, and discovering that the trades aren’t just a job—they’re a career.
