London, Ontario — Fanshawe College’s Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) currently has two automotive service technician pre-apprenticeship programs that are looking for local industry partnerships to help provide work placement opportunities for the fall, 2024 semester.
The college’s program—which began in 2023–specifically aims to support individuals from underrepresented communities in taking the first step towards becoming future automotive apprentices and beginning careers in the automotive repair sector.
In addition to an employer placement support program through CTS, participating industry members will also receive a wage subsidy of up to $250 per week per participant, with a maximum subsidy of $3,000. This subsidy is designed to help offset some of the costs associated with providing on-the-job training and mentorship to participants.
In an announcement about this year’s program, Heather Carey, Senior Manager of CTS commented that “we’re excited to build upon the success of our 2023 program and are ready to support employers in addressing the critical labour shortages we’re seeing in the sector. By hosting placements, employers have the opportunity to mentor and evaluate potential apprentices while contributing to the development of a skilled workforce.”
“We encourage all employers in the automotive service and repair sector, including dealerships, independent repair shops and specialty automotive businesses to consider hosting one of our employment-ready participants,” Carey further commented. “It’s a win-win scenario where participants gain valuable hands-on experience and employers have the opportunity to shape skilled workers who can help their service teams and their business.”
Employers interested in hosting a work placement can contact Dan Fish, Pre Apprenticeship Program Job Developer at cts@fanshawec.ca
For more information about the program, interested parties can also check out the college’s website at fanshawec.ca.
