Meet Munroe: From Small-Town Passion to Scholarship Recipient and Technician Apprentice at Centennial Honda

Hailing from Long River, PEI, Munroe’s journey into the world of automotive technology started in an unlikely place—a service station in Stanley Bridge. What began as just a job soon sparked a fascination with how vehicles work. That curiosity evolved into a career path after exploring a few other trades and realizing that automotive technology offered the challenge, variety, and excitement he was looking for.

Finding the Right Fit in High School

While attending Kensington Intermediate Senior High, Munroe took advantage of a basic automotive program offered at Three Oaks Senior High, where he gained hands-on experience with essential skills like tire changes, oil changes, and brake line repairs. These early experiences helped solidify his interest and gave him a glimpse into what a future in the trade could look like.

It was also through KISH that Munroe first heard about the Centennial Auto Group Excellence in Automotive Scholarship. When he learned he had been selected as a recipient in 2024, he was both surprised and encouraged.

“Receiving that scholarship gave me even more motivation to stick with it,” Munroe said.

From the Classroom to the Shop Floor

Munroe is now studying in the Automotive Technology Program at Holland College. The decision to enroll was driven by a desire to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

“Cars are getting more advanced all the time,” he explained. “With EVs and new tech coming out, I wanted to learn as much as I could and get that college diploma to help build confidence and experience.”

One of the biggest surprises so far? How diverse the skillset of a modern technician really is.

“Being a mechanic is like being a mix of all trades—electrical, welding, diagnostics—it’s not just one thing,” he said.

Holland College’s program is set up to mirror the real world of dealership life, with uniforms, work orders, and hands-on projects that mimic real customer interactions. That preparation has made the transition into his apprenticeship at Centennial Honda even smoother.

Joining the Centennial Honda Team

Now working as an apprentice at Centennial Honda, Munroe is continuing to learn and grow every day.

“It’s pretty good here,” he said. “There’s a great group of guys and I’ve been learning a lot from the experienced techs. I’ve got my own bay and I get to work on more in-depth projects.”

Being on the job brings a new level of responsibility and learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.

“You’re working on customers’ vehicles, not just shop cars,” Munroe added. “There’s more at stake and more to learn.”

He credits mentors like Jasper and Curtis—as well as the whole team—for helping guide him through his early days in the trade.

Advice for Future Tradespeople

To other students thinking about a career in the trades, Munroe is quick to offer encouragement.

“School is the best bet,” he said. “There’s so much to learn and things are always changing. You’ve got to keep up.”

He also stresses the value of a career in automotive technology.

“It’s needed work. You’re always learning, figuring out how things work, and getting better.”

Looking to the Future

With the support of the Centennial Auto Group—first through a scholarship and now as part of the Centennial Honda team—Munroe says he’s found a place where he can grow and feel part of the team. “Being supported by Centennial makes me feel welcomed and accepted,” he said.

As for what’s next, Munroe has his sights set high.

“My goal is to be at the level of guys like James and Ryan—Red Seal, master techs. They can tackle anything.”

With drive, determination, and a team behind him, there’s no doubt Munroe is well on his way.