MARK TIRBANY

What brought you to Centennial College?

I chose Centennial College over other trade schools because of its strong reputation. Having already spent time in the automotive and diesel industry, I met many successful individuals, most of whom were graduates of Centennial, which made my decision an easy one.

Tell us about your favourite Centennial College experience?

Hands down, it was the wealth of knowledge shared by the professors and their combined real world experiences from every instructor in the Motive Power Truck & Coach program. Not to mention the few I met in the neighboring automotive programs as well, they were always willing to share their experiences and insights. It’s safe to say I got more than my money’s worth just from the quality and dedication of the faculty.

What impact has Centennial College had on your life?

The automotive and diesel industry is incredibly complicated; it is utterly impossible to know everything. I didn’t come to Centennial College expecting to learn it all and become a know it all. I came to build a strong foundation. What I gained was far more than just technical knowledge. I developed a strong footing for myself. The college has helped me build the confidence to take on challenges and figure problems out in real-world situations. Because I took the time to truly understand the fundamentals, every obstacle I’ve faced in my career since has felt easily manageable. Centennial didn’t just prepare me for a job, it shaped the way I approach problem-solving and continuous learning in my career.

What are you up to now?

I’m currently a licensed mechanic and self-employed, running my own mobile automotive and diesel repair service across the GTA. Alongside my work, I’m passionate about giving back to the industry by mentoring and tutoring the next generation of apprentices. I’m also an amateur tool inventor in my spare time, developing specialty niche tools tailored for the automotive and diesel field.

Current city of residence

Scarborough, Ontario, Canada