Ontario Government Awards Loyalist College $178, 767 to Deliver Automotive Pre-Apprenticeship Training

In January 2008 Loyalist College will offer a unique Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program for women. The College has received $178,767 in funding from the Ontario Government. The program, developed to train participants in the mandatory Level I Automotive Service Technician qualifications, will also include instruction in a wide range of service and operational techniques related to the automotive industry. 

“To address the need for more women employees in the automotive industry, we encourage women who are interested in the automotive field to explore this opportunity,” said Tom Malloy, Dean, Schools of Skills Training, Access and Continuing Education. “Each applicant will be assessed for career aptitude, and those who need to complete their grade 12 equivalency before they begin the pre-apprenticeship program can do so through Loyalist’s College Access program.  The provincial government funding we have been awarded will make it possible for 18 participants to complete their high school equivalency and Level I of the Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship. The costs of text books and work clothing are included in the funding, and our work placement supervisor will work with students to find placement opportunities within their own communities.”

“Graduates will be able to approach employers, having already completed Level I of the Automotive Service Technician qualifications, enhanced by additional training in interpersonal skills, and parts and supplies training,” added Dean Malloy. 

“This program would not have been possible without the support of local employers who identified the need for this training and who are committed to providing placements for our students,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “Through collaboration of our automotive faculty, Job Connect, Ontario Basic Skills and the Community Literacy Network, this initiative will provide significant opportunities and benefits for both students in search of a rewarding career path, and employers, looking for employees with strong interpersonal and technical skills.” 

For more information regarding the Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training program please contact Tom Malloy at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2880 or John Nixon at ext. 2562.    

Media Contact:  Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail:  mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca  or Tom Malloy at ext. 2880.