The Value of Experience: In Discussion With Our Instructor, Mark Raczkowski
At ATC Toronto, the knowledge and experience our instructors bring to the classroom play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of automotive professionals. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Mark Raczkowski, one of our expert instructors, about his career journey, teaching philosophy, and the impact he’s making on auto mechanic students.
Mark’s story is one of dedication, decades of hands-on expertise, and a passion for sharing knowledge with aspiring automotive technicians.
From Technician to Instructor
Mark’s career in the automotive industry spans over 35 years. “I am a licensed automotive service technician here in Ontario,” he shared. “I carry a red seal as well and I am an instructor for our Automotive Service Technician program, which is our 43-week program to get our students ready to be integrated well into the workforce.”
Before becoming an instructor, Mark worked for various employers across Toronto and the rest of Ontario. “I spent a lot of time being an automotive service technician as well as an apprentice when I first started,” he explained. Over the years, Mark mentored many apprentices, often receiving feedback that inspired him to explore teaching.
“Each one of my apprentices, at one point, said, ‘You teach so well, maybe you should do that at a more professional level.’ So I found myself one day thinking about that idea,” he recalled. Encouraged by a friend working at ATC Toronto’s auto mechanic school, Mark leaped education—and hasn’t looked back since.
Empowering Students Through Hands-on Learning
For Mark, the students are the heart of his work as an instructor. “A lot of these people are really, really focused on where they want to go,” he said. “Not all of them—some of them just need a little bit of enticement, let’s say, to really get exposed to it. And then I find that the majority of students are very, very interested. They want to get out there. They want to get their hands dirty. They can’t imagine spending their lives sitting behind a desk. They want to be in it. They want to be doing it.”
This passion fuels Mark’s enthusiasm for teaching. “To inspire that and to give them the proper training and the proper knowledge to get to that goal is actually a really inspiring thing. It really kind of warms me up inside.
”The rewards of teaching extend well beyond the classroom. “It’s great for me to see so many of my students reaching out to me after a couple of months of graduation and saying, ‘Hey man, I landed this great job, my career’s on the go, I’ve already been promoted a couple of times.’ And this is a common story for me. So I’m really glad. It gets me thinking that I’m doing a good job as well.”
Advice for an Aspiring Auto Mechanic
Mark’s final words to those considering an auto mechanic career reflect his belief in the value of the education offered at ATC Toronto. “I would say ATC is definitely a great step in the right direction. It prepares you to be confident. It prepares you to be educated on that first day on the job. So you’re not just standing around there kind of wondering if I’m doing things right?.”
With experienced instructors like Mark leading the way, students at ATC Toronto receive hands-on training that equips them with both the technical skills and the confidence to succeed in the workforce.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a career in auto mechanics? Explore ATC Toronto’s auto mechanic school today and see how we can help you achieve your goals!
Do you want to become a mechanic?
Contact ATC Toronto for more information.
