Toronto, Ontario -- August 4, 2011 -- AYCE Employment Services is accepting applications from licensed collision shops that are looking to take on an apprentice.

According to AYCE, the program will aid shops and the industry by bringing in fresh new hands who want to be in the trade. As well, the company says the apprentices are hard working, dedicated and skilled applicants and the financial benefits that will help offset the cost of training.

The program is funded by the Ontario government, which means shops will receive a subsidy of $1,680 for each 12-week apprenticeship. Apprentices are expected to work 35 hours per week for 12 weeks, which works out to a $4/hour subsidy. As well, shops will receive an additional $1,000 signing bonus once a student as been registered as an apprentice, says AYCE.

AYCE is holding a career fair on August 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 670 Progress Avenue, Units 14-16 in Scarborough, Ontario, where interested shops can interview potential apprentices.

For more information, contact:

Marc Tremblay, Program Coordinator

Pre-apprenticeship Training Program (Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair)

Phone: (416) 491-7000 ext. 203 Fax: (416) 491-4669 www.ayce.on.ca, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Toronto, Ontario -- July 27, 2011 -- Fix Auto, one of North America’s largest networks of independent collision repair centres, made an announcement last week to its affiliates across Canada of the 2011 requirements for each location: at least one person per location must acquire mandatory I-CAR training set by Fix Auto.

“Fix Auto moves closer towards getting I-CAR recognition at all of its locations across Canada,” states Mike Kaplaniak, Director of Operations at Fix Auto. Fix Auto requires that each location must have completed the Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles course, the Vehicle Technology and Trends 2011 course as well as two other I-CAR or equivalent courses of choice.

“This is clearly a significant step ahead in the professional development approach of the industry,” states Andrew Shepherd, I-CAR Canada Director. “Fix Auto is a leader in Canada and is once again demonstrating that leadership through its commitment to training.” With I-CAR’s new Independent Learning option, shops will be able to learn on-line through the 20 short courses, worth one-quarter of an I-CAR point, or through the 50 full courses, worth one I-CAR point. “These are the same high quality courses that have been offered in-class,” clarifies Shepherd.

Brampton, Ontario – June 30, 2011 -- Fix Auto Brampton Central has recently teamed up with Sheridan College Brampton Campus where students of the Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning division spent 12 months converting a Dodge Neon from a gas car to a fully functional electric one.

This project has allowed the department to achieve not only national recognition but also big financial assistance from various grants, says Fix Auto. Fix Auto Brampton Central was a proud sponsor in helping the students paint the finished vehicle.

“Today going green is the hot topic of discussion. This is why we are excited to be part of this and be able to contribute to a good cause, while showcasing our environmentally friendly waterborne paint, said Marcelo Zunino, Fix Auto Brampton Central Manager.

The vehicle will be touring the province by attending various shows, competitions and science shows.

Diamond Bar, California -- June 30, 2011 -- SEMA members and professionals in the automotive specialty equipment market now have access to more than 200 business courses through the recently revamped SEMA Educational Institute (SEI) eLearning Center. Available on the SEMA website, the online business resource gives users solutions to many of today’s biggest challenges, according to the association.

“SEI focuses on issues and topics that are most prevalent in the industry,” said Jamie Eriksen, education director. “Users are able to tap into the knowledge and expertise of leading professionals simply by visiting the eLearning Center. It’s designed to give participants practical and useful information, in an easy and cost-effective format.”

In addition to offering online courses on topics such as business management, customer service, marketing and sales, the eLearning Center has been enhanced so that users can create individual accounts. The program will automatically track and keep records for all registered eLearners, who can then request transcripts, says SEMA.

For a limited time, all courses can be downloaded at no charge. After the trial period, a fee may be charged to non-SEMA members. To learn more, go to www.sema.org/elearning.