Education/training

Map out a career in auto technology

Apprenticeship programs modified to meet the needs of auto manufacturers like Ford and General Motors are giving apprentices the tools to become licensed auto technicians while following a map to a specific destination.

LINDA WHITE
[ 2005-09-28 ]

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Mike Madill, David Markov and Steve Koehl decipher the schematics of a General Motors automatic transmission in the GM-ASEP lab at Centennial College.

"These programs have been around about 20 years and are a symbol of partnership between industry and government," says Wayne Kerr, chairperson of Centennial College's Modified Apprenticeship Program (MAP). "Dealerships wanted a steady stream of apprentices trained in their specific technologies."

The Toronto college has partnerships with Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Canadian Tire, Volvo Trucks, Freightliner Trucks and Automotive Transportation Service. Auto manufacturer-specific programs are open only to apprentices already employed by dealerships, while each of the trucking programs offers open admission.

The traditional in-class component of an apprenticeship is 24 weeks. MAP offers an additional eight weeks of training. "Students cover generic technology so they're still licensed to work on any type of vehicle," Kerr says. "The additional weeks allow a higher level of training on specific manufacturer technology."

MAP apprentices alternate between in-class and at-work training, which focuses on the manufacturer's latest technology. Labs are designed to look and feel just like a dealership. "A lab may be decorated in corporate colours or with corporate logos. Students wear uniforms, just like they do at their dealership," Kerr says. "Computer terminals are linked to the dealership or corporate website."


The program brings the most up-to-date technology to the college. "All instructors are licensed technicians and most receive professional development opportunities through the manufacturer so they can deliver that training in the classroom," Kerr says. "The other benefit of the partnership is that it brings technology to the classroom. In the Honda lab, for example, you'll see a row of new Honda vehicles Honda has donated to the school."

Students are responsible for finding a dealer to sponsor them (your high school co-op office may be able to help) and must register as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. They must find out if they meet the prerequisites required by approved training institutes and complete their chosen school's application form.

"Dealers pride themselves on choosing what they consider is the cream of the crop," says Piero Cherubini, chair of the Motive Power department at Mohawk College in Hamilton. It has a partnership with GM. "Students interested in the program need to knock on doors, put forward their strengths and gain that opportunity with the dealer."

Soft skills are a big sell. "Dealers are looking for a person with good communication skills, a team player who will fit in with the group, is enthusiastic and wants to learn," Cherubini says. "They recognize the technology skills will come through training."

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ABOUT MAPS


- Modified Apprenticeship Programs (MAPs) train apprentices to become manufacturer-specific service technicians.

- Ford's ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) and General Motors' ASEP (Automotive Service Educational Program) are examples of modified programs.

- Visit manufacturer and college websites, area dealerships or your high school guidance department to learn more.



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