Plastic Perfection: Polyvance reminds users of proper temp. control for plastic welding
Toronto, Ontario — Polyvance is reminding the repairers out there that “hotter is not always better” when it comes to plastic welding, as shown in a recent demonstration video from the company. The video explains that even with the proper nitrogen welder and the right plastic weld rods, too high of a temperature could weaken […]
Making Space: Ontario gov. invests $4.7 million into free training for techs transitioning to EV sector
Toronto, Ontario — With all Ontarian eyes fixated on huge investments into the province’s auto sector as of late, the Ford government announced Wednesday that a round of funding totalling more than $4.7 million is on the way to create the jobs to match industry growth. The announcement was made in London, Ont. alongside representatives […]
A Seat at the Table: Sask. government invests $1.5 million into 250 new apprentice training seats
Regina, Saskatchewan — The Prairies are quickly becoming the place where future apprentices grow, as the Saskatchewan government announced Thursday that it is opening up an additional 250 seats in its training classrooms this year. Thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the provincial government, this expansion of apprenticeship training opportunities builds on more than […]
Cutting the Coupe: Mercedes-Benz to wind down CLS production later this year, reports say
Toronto, Ontario — Reports have been rolling in, alleging that Mercedes-Benz plans to axe its Mercedes-Benz CLS from production later on this year. According to initial reports from Driving.ca, the German automaker is planning to shelf the popular four-door “coupe” at the end of the year, falling in line with many other automakers who have […]
Albertan All-stars: Winners announced for Skills Alberta provincial competition
Edmonton, Alberta — “Another successful Skills Alberta event in the books!” Cecile Bukmeier, chair of the autobody program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), declared over LinkedIn, following the closing of the provincial skills competition in Edmonton on Thursday. Alberta’s aspiring young tradespeople, including a number of students representing the autobody repair and […]
Skills Summit: Skilled Trades Ontario to host first industry summit on apprenticeship training in May
Toronto, Ontario — The organization responsible for skilled trades training in Ontario is gearing up for its first ever industry summit on apprenticeship training, currently on the calendar for the first week of May. The province’s recently minted trades certification regulator, Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) plans on “Unleashing Ontario’s potential” at this upcoming gathering of […]
Parts Shortage Particulars: B.C. managers respond as industry feels heat of long waits for customers
Vancouver, British Columbia — Parts shortages and labour retention issues are hardly something British Columbia bodyshops need a reminder of, however, as they face increased scrutiny from customers facing long repair waits, some in the industry feel inclined to respond. An article recently published by Global News attempts to speak to some of the issues […]
Room to Grow: Wages for new body techs in 2020 remained stable despite national declines, StatsCan says
Toronto, Ontario — The positions once occupied by Canada’s retiring skilled trades workforce are proving difficult to fill, and according to some newly released data from the federal government, no two regions compensate their tradespeople quite the same. Median wages for newly certified journeypersons are down 5.2 percent nationwide from 2019 to 2020, with motor […]
Trades Fast-Track: Ontario to allow Grade 11 students to enrol in full-time apprenticeship programs
Toronto, Ontario — A Wednesday announcement from the Ontario government may plant a seed for the spike in skilled trades interest our industry has been looking for, as Grade 11 students in the province will now be eligible to enrol in full-time skilled apprenticeship programs. With this new decision, students looking to pursue a trades […]
Fair Trade: Free Centennial College, Tropicana introductory auto body course to kick off in April
Scarborough, Ontario — If you live in the Toronto area and have always wanted to try your hand at the trade, a new collaborative program between Tropicana Community Services and Centennial College seeks to give prospective auto body technicians a chance to see if collision repair is the right fit, completely free of charge. Set […]
