Credential Crackdown: Body techs part of phase one in B.C.’s certification legislation
Victoria, British Columbia — A new set of laws designed to crack down on skilled trades certification in British Columbia was given royal assent on Thursday, officially starting the clock on uncertified auto body techs to get their training in gear. As part of this new legislation, the Industry Training Authority Act will now fall […]
Union Upheaval: Jerry Dias retires as Unifor president amid health concerns
Toronto, Ontario — The Canadian auto industry bid farewell to a long-time labour advocate on Wednesday, as Unifor National president Jerry Dias announced his retirement amid ongoing personal health concerns. Unifor’s National Executive Board was contacted by Dias on Friday, informing them of his immediate retirement. He had been on medical leave since Feb. 6. […]
Celebrating Cecile: NAIT Autobody Instructor Cecile Bukmeier wins Skills Alberta award
Edmonton, Alberta — As honours for the women in our lives poured out in recognition of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, join us in congratulating Bodyworx Professional columnist, Cecile Bukmeier, on winning the “Sturdy 30” award from Skills Alberta. Bukmeier is no stranger to blazing trails in the Canadian automotive industry, becoming the Northern Alberta […]
Dealing with Defects: Axalta launches video series on common refinishing challenges
Toronto, Ontario — Do you have burning questions about some of the nitty-gritty details of automotive refinishing, because automotive coatings developer Axalta is aiming to provide some answers, as part of the company’s “Global Paint Defects Series” on Youtube. Axalta’s ongoing online series tackles some of the most common challenges faced by automotive refinishers at […]
Welcome Wagon: Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes launches scholarship with Skilled Trades College of Canada
Toronto, Ontario — A rookie on the Toronto Raptors is doing it all to ingratiate himself to his new Canadian neighbours as the Skilled Trades College of Canada (STC) has launched the “Scottie Barnes Scholarship” for BIPOC students across Canada. The six-foot-nine Florida-born small forward, who has some familial connections in Canada, said he is […]
Partner for Progress: General Motors sponsors Skills Ontario Young Women’s Initiatives program
Toronto, Ontario — Recognizing that it will take all of us to fill the demand for skilled tradespeople in Canada’s automotive industry, General Motors has announced that it will be sponsoring this year’s Young Women’s Initiatives program from Skills Ontario. The Young Women’s Initiatives program provides direct access to various hands-on skilled trades experiences through […]
Skills Exchange: Sask Polytech partners with Kenyan trade school to support auto, welding programs
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan Polytechnic has extended an intercontinental helping hand to Weru Vocational Technical College in Kenya, announcing a partnership between the two schools that aims to improve automotive and welding programs in the country. The partnership will see Sask Polytech faculty meeting virtually with their Kenyan counterparts to help develop training programs and, […]
Apprentice Advice: B.C. hires five apprenticeship advisors, invests $5 million into ITA
Victoria, British Columbia — British Columbia is trying to fill some seats in its trade school classrooms as the provincial government announced a $5 million investment to support the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and its efforts to promote automotive skilled trades education. Alongside the investment will come the hiring of five new apprenticeship advisors (one […]
Level Up: Skills Canada hosting Feb. 24 event aimed at skilled trades awareness
Toronto, Ontario — On February 24, Skills Canada is hosting its free 2022 Level Up! event to promote youth involvement in the skilled trades across Canada. According to the event agenda, the day-long event, set to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a host of sessions dedicated to promoting youth interest in […]
On Tour: Welding on Wheels trailer providing trades experiences across N.B.
Fredericton, New Brunswick — The CWB is delivering the skilled trades experience straight to the front doors of Canadian high schools thanks to the “Welding on Wheels” trailer, which has found it’s new temporary home at Rothesay High School in Fredericton, N.B. The trailer was completed last summer and accommodates 16 students with eight welding […]
