Driving career growth: A conversation with Innovation in Automotive Training program graduate, Jay Patel

The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and with it comes a need for skilled professionals who are ready to adapt to new technologies. We had a conversation with Innovation in Automotive Training program graduate, Jay Patel, who completed the Career Exploration training at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, to understand what drew him to this unique experience, how it shaped his career, and what he gained from the hands-on training. 

What aspects of the Innovation in Automotive Training program initially captured your interest, and why did they resonate with you? 

I have always wanted to pursue a career in automotive. When I saw the advertisement for the Innovation in Automotive Training program with AIA Canada, I was already enrolled in Fanshawe College’s Automotive Service Technician program, but I wanted to gain more experience, especially in regard to hands-on learning. While I enjoy the program at Fanshawe College, I wanted to broaden my horizons and learn about the industry outside of the program. 

At the end of the day, my goal is to be an automotive service technician, so it is important to gain as much information as possible and get involved in the industry right away. With this course, I was fortunate enough to have an excellent instructor and get to know fellow aspiring automotive professionals. 

Can you describe your overall experience in the Career Exploration training and any specific moments that stood out to you? 

This course was more hands-on than I am used to—which is exactly what I wanted! I wanted to have practical, hands-on training, from brake service, parts installation, and most importantly, working with electric vehicles (EVs). Fanshawe College has a Nissan Leaf on-site, so we were able to learn the ins and outs of maintaining and repairing that vehicle, as well as the safety procedures involved with it. The hands-on nature of this program provided me with important foundational knowledge for working on EVs, and with that, boosted my confidence in my abilities and knowledge surrounding EV maintenance and repair. I already had basic knowledge of how EVs worked, and the hazards associated with them due to my previous education in India, and this program combined all my skills into one course. It has definitely made me realize that my career goal is to be an electrical automotive technician—EVs are not going anywhere, and I want to be ready to work on them. 

In what ways has the training directly impacted your career development, and can you share any notable examples? 

Since I have completed the program, I have since become a registered apprentice at a Canadian Tire in London, Ontario—and this program helped me secure this position. I feel the effects of the program every day; from the practical skills, knowing the processes of an automotive maintenance and repair business, and to the theoretical knowledge I also gained. 

Like I said before, completing this program has made me far more confident in my abilities and made me want to grow and succeed in the industry. If anything, it has motivated me more to succeed and continue my passion for working on EVs. 

From your perspective, what is the most significant value this training provides to professionals in the automotive industry? 

While the program’s material was comprehensive, covering the foundations of what we needed to know to have a career in the industry, the biggest value for me was how it helped me prepare to enter the industry. We were taught how to build a cohesive resume, how to network, and navigate the workplace. These elements helped me transition smoothly into my apprenticeship, ultimately allowing me to succeed in my career. 

About the Innovation in Automotive Training program  

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) has partnered with Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, St. Lawrence College, Mohawk College, and Plug N’ Drive to offer free trainings to address the shortage of those in the automotive trades in Ontario. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. 

The Innovation in Automotive Training program includes numerous types of training and up-skilling opportunities, such as Career Exploration, which includes firsthand learning and experience for those looking to join the automotive trades.