Information package
Select your college:
The type of work that automotive tradespeople do is being transformed. The development and expansion of electric vehicle sales have driven a need for new skills and expertise in automotive repair and maintenance.
Automotive Industries Association of Canada has joined forces with Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, St. Lawrence College and Plug N’ Drive to offer FREE training programs to develop new expertise and skills in the auto care industry.
Conestoga College
Career Exploration training
The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers to learn to work on a variety of cars with special emphasis on ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles and new technologies. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.
Your instructor
Gary Holman
Gary’s automotive interests started early in the family’s backyard garage. He held up the light so others could perform the repairs. Eventually, Gary began performing the repairs himself and he went on to complete the AST apprenticeship program at Mohawk College and receive his 310S license in 2010.
Gary began his career working mostly at dealerships (Ford and Nissan). He reached Ford Senior Technician status while at Ford and became a Ford Deisel Certified lead technician. At Nissan, he was a Senior Technician and took the initiative to help mentor and teach new apprentices how to navigate the Automotive Service Technician Industry.
Gary’s career also introduced him to the world of Material Handling Equipment. Having an Automotive background allowed for a smooth transition into this Industry. There, he worked on many types of Propane and Electric lifting equipment, performing diagnostics and repairs onsite at Customer locations.
In 2022, Gary joined the Faculty at Conestoga College where he has taught several post-secondary and apprenticeship level courses. He has enjoyed the opportunity to share his knowledge with new students and looks forward to the future of the automotive industry.
Training details
- Cohort 1 (updated on July 31, 2024) – Training begins as early as September 10, 2024.
- Cohort 2 (updated on July 31, 2024)- Training begins on October 29, 2024.
Location
Conestoga College, Guelph Campus
460 Speedvale Ave W
Guelph, Ontario
N1E 1P1
How to apply to Career Exploration training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Conestoga College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs.
Your instructor
Paul Hoffer
Paul Hoffer aims to encourage and support up-and-coming electric vehicle (EV) technicians through his impressive experience as an automotive technician and unwavering drive to teach.
Paul Hoffer started his career as an automotive apprentice at Gord Anderson Buick and soon worked his way up to being a licensed automotive technician. For the past twenty years, Hoffer has been a licensed automotive technician at Heffner Lexus in Kitchener, Ontario, and a part-time instructor at Conestoga College for the past two years.
In his spare time, Hoffer is also on the Board of Directors at the Woodstock Flying Club. He holds various licenses and certifications, including his private pilot’s license and Red Seal Certification. Hoffer hopes to pass on his passion for learning to the students at Conestoga College’s EV Up-skilling training.
Corey Hussey
Corey Hussey’s career spans two decades, where he has been a Pro Technician at Simcoe Toyota, Master Technician at Woodstock Toyota, and now, a Master Technician at Brantford Toyota. Through this time, he has received electric vehicle and hybrid certification as a way to better service consumers. In addition, Corey is a worker representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee and has been a mentor to co-op students and apprentices to ensure professional grade work is completed.
Deeply passionate about teaching and the automotive industry, Corey Hussey looks forward to teaching students through connection, collaboration, and tech-savvy course materials to keep engagement high.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the:
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training takes place starting September 12, 2024
- Winter 2025 course calendar. Training takes place starting January 18, 2025.
This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.
Conduct one module over the course of two consecutive Thursday evenings or in one Saturday (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
The training schedule and dates for the Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available in the coming weeks.
Location
Conestoga College, Guelph Campus
460 Speedvale Ave W
Guelph, Ontario
N1E 1P1
How to apply to EV Up-skilling training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Conestoga College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training
The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.
Your instructor
Jamie Holmes
To be announced
Training details
Schedule
Consult the Winter 2025 course calendar. Training takes place as early as January 9, 2025.
This program consists of 12 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
Location
Conestoga College, Guelph Campus
460 Speedvale Ave W
Guelph, Ontario
N1E 1P1
How to apply to ADAS training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Conestoga College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Your training consultant
Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at Conestoga College.
Micaela Korb
Senior Project Coordinator
Innovation in Automotive Training
Email: micaela.korb@aiacanada.com
Cellphone: +1 (226) 962-7542
Fanshawe College
Career Exploration training
The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers to learn to work on a variety of cars with special emphasis on ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles and new technologies. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the
- Spring/Summer 2024 course calendar. Training begins May 23rd, 2024.
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training begins October 31, 2024.
This program consists of 2-3 days a week for seven consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
The training schedule and dates for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available in the coming weeks.
Location
Fanshawe, London Campus
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd
London, Ontario
N5Y 5R6
Your instructor
Luke Grace
Being In love with automobiles his whole life, Luke joined the gear wrench scene in 2000 as a service advisor. With a natural curiosity of how vehicles worked, he began working on automotive projects in his free time. He soon became a mechanic, working on a variety of vehicles from General Motors (GM) to Volkswagen (VW) to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). He further mastered this craft and was able to combine his techniques with the bucket of bolts. In 2019, Luke parked his roots at Fanshawe College while also managing a local mechanic and bodyshop part-time.
How to apply to Career Exploration training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Fanshawe College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the:
- Summer 2024 course calendar (updated on June 26, 2024). Training takes place starting June 15, 2024.
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training takes place starting October 19, 2024.
This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.
The training schedule and dates for the Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available in the coming weeks.
Location
Fanshawe, London Campus
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd
London, Ontario
N5Y 5R6
Your instructor
Luke Grace
Being In love with automobiles his whole life, Luke joined the gear wrench scene in 2000 as a service advisor. With a natural curiosity of how vehicles worked, he began working on automotive projects in his free time. He soon became a mechanic, working on a variety of vehicles from General Motors (GM) to Volkswagen (VW) to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). He further mastered this craft and was able to combine his techniques with the bucket of bolts. In 2019, Luke parked his roots at Fanshawe College while also managing a local mechanic and bodyshop part-time.
Shane Querin
At a very young age, Shane had a love for automobiles and how they worked. He decided to pursue his passion for cars upon entering high school. He took automotive shop and manufacturing classes in grades nine and ten. During grades 11 and 12, Shane entered the co-op/OYAP program, where he was hired at Midas and started his apprenticeship.
Shane eventually moved to a Mazda dealer where he finished his apprenticeship, graduated from Fanshawe College, and became a licensed 310s technician in May 2010. He also became a Mazda Master technician after spending most of his career working at Mazda.
He then transitioned to working at a Volkswagen dealership to gain some German car experience. Being a major motorsports fan, Shane had a goal of someday working at a Porsche dealership. An opportunity came up when the new London Porsche Center dealership was built. Shane is working there and, as of the fall semester 2023, began teaching at Fanshawe College part-time.
How to apply to EV Up-skilling training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Fanshawe College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training
The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the Summer 2024 course calendar. Training will take place on August 15 and 16, 2024.
This program consists of 12 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
The training schedule and dates for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available in the coming weeks.
Location
Fanshawe, London Campus
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd
London, Ontario
N5Y 5R6
Your instructor
Luke Grace
Being In love with automobiles his whole life, Luke joined the gear wrench scene in 2000 as a service advisor. With a natural curiosity of how vehicles worked, he began working on automotive projects in his free time. He soon became a mechanic, working on a variety of vehicles from General Motors (GM) to Volkswagen (VW) to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). He further mastered this craft and was able to combine his techniques with the bucket of bolts. In 2019, Luke parked his roots at Fanshawe College while also managing a local mechanic and bodyshop part-time.
How to apply to ADAS training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Fanshawe College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Your training consultant
Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at Fanshawe College.
Susan Ramroop
Senior Project Coordinator
Innovation in Automotive Training
Email: susan.ramroop@aiacanada.com
Cellphone: +1 (226) 228-2847
Mohawk College
Career Exploration training
The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers to learn to work on a variety of cars with special emphasis on ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles and new technologies. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.
Your instructor
Jason Russell
Training details
Schedule
Consult the:
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training begins October 1st, 2024.
- Winter 2025 course calendar. Training takes place starting January 14, 2025.
This program consists of 3 days a week for seven consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
Location
Mohawk College, Fennell Campus
135 Fennell Ave West
Hamilton, ON
L9C 0E5
How to apply to Career Exploration training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Mohawk College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs.
Your instructor
Bob Brown
Bob Brown has always been passionate about repairing and fixing things, and he turned his passion into practice, and a successful career. In 1985, Bob started as an apprenticeship student at Mohawk College as an MAP 40, soon achieving his 310S and 310T license. Soon after, Bob worked for a large tool and equipment company, where he was responsible for automotive consulting, technician training, sales, and mobile diagnostics to help customers fix their problem vehicles. Since 2000, he has been working at Mohawk College in the Motive Power program, teaching Motive Power Technician (MPT), Auto Service Technician (AST), Hybrid and Electric Vehicle service and repair, and much more. Bob knows the importance of continuous learning, especially with changing technology, and hopes to pass on as much knowledge as possible to students sitting in the same seats he has been in.
Chris Pinard
Chris Pinard, a licensed technician with over 20 years of experience, is a leader in the automotive field, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) technology. As a professor and program coordinator at Mohawk College, Chris combines hands-on expertise with a passion for education, guiding future automotive professionals. Specializing in Ford vehicles, he has built a reputation for excellence in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance. Chris’s work in developing EV-focused programs equips students with the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector, contributing to the shift toward greener transportation solutions.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the :
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training begins September 10, 2024.
- Winter 2025 course calendar. Training begins January 15, 2025.
This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.
Conduct one module over the course of a Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location
Mohawk College, Stoney Creek Campus
493 Barton Street
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8E 4K1
How to apply to EV Up-skilling training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Mohawk College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training
The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.
Your instructor
Cavan Cook
Cavan is a licensed 310S Automotive Service Technician and Mohawk College graduate. He began his career in the automotive industry as an OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) student at Mohawk. Cavan has a passion for electrical diagnostics, large wiring projects and scientific principles applied to automotive repair. Throughout his career he has worked for private garages and domestic dealerships and was a Professor in the Motive Power Technician program at Mohawk College from 2017-2024. Recently Cavan opened his own automotive repair business in Smithville, Ontario. He takes great pride in training his apprentices and employees in ethical and informed diagnostics and repairs. He loves to teach and believe education is the best way to foster and encourage excellence in the industry.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the Fall 2024 course calendar. Training takes place as early as October 19 and 20, 2024.
This program consists of 12 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
The training schedule and dates for the Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available over the upcoming weeks.
Location
Mohawk College, Stoney Creek Campus
493 Barton Street
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8E 4K1
How to apply to ADAS training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at Mohawk College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Your training consultant
Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at Mohawk College.
Bronwyn Lee
Program Coordinator
Innovation in Automotive Training
Email: bronwyn.lee@aiacanada.com
Cellphone: +1 (519) 830-7591
St. Lawrence College
Career Exploration training
The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers to learn to work on a variety of cars with special emphasis on ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles and new technologies. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.
Your instructor
Cameron Duncan
Cameron Duncan brings over a decade of experience, a long list of skills, and a positive and engaging attitude to the classroom at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. Cameron started out as an apprentice over ten years ago and has climbed the industry ladder, where he is now a full-time licensed fleet mechanic and Professor of Automotive Technology at St. Lawrence College.
Showing no interest in slowing down, he continues to learn and earn certificates in his own time. From being certified in welding by the Canadian Welding Bureau, becoming an electric and hybrid vehicle specialist at Hyundai, to winning awards throughout his career, Cameron Duncan is excited to bring his skills and expertise to the Innovation in Automotive Training program.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the:
- Summer 2024 course calendar. Training begins June 8, 2024
- Fall 2024 course calendar. Training begins October 5, 2024
- Winter 2025 course calendar – Training begins on January 18, 2025.
This program consists of 3 days a week for five consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
The training schedule and dates for the Winter 2025 cohorts will be made available in the coming weeks.
Location
St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus
2 St. Lawrence Dr
Cornwall, Ontario
K6H 4Z1
How to apply to Career Exploration training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at St. Lawrence College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs.
Your instructor
James Page
For over 20 years, James Page has been working full time as an automotive technician. He brings experience in electrical and mechanical diagnostics and repair. In high school James completed an automotive co-op and began his apprenticeship. For his final year of high school, he completed the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through St. Lawrence College. James wrote and successfully passed his 310S Automotive Service Technician license at the age of 21. James strongly believes that keeping up with the current technology allows us to be ready for what the new technology is going to bring. Every large problem can be broken down into smaller, more manageable problems.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the Fall 2024 course calendar. Training begins August 24, 2024.
This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.
Conduct one module over the course of a Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The training schedule and dates will be made available over the upcoming weeks for the Winter 2025 cohorts.
Location
St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus
2 St. Lawrence Dr
Cornwall, Ontario
K6H 4Z1
How to apply to EV Up-skilling training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at St. Lawrence College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training
The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.
Your instructor
James Page
For over 20 years, James Page has been working full time as an automotive technician. He brings experience in electrical and mechanical diagnostics and repair. In high school James completed an automotive co-op and began his apprenticeship. For his final year of high school, he completed the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through St. Lawrence College. James wrote and successfully passed his 310S Automotive Service Technician license at the age of 21. James strongly believes that keeping up with the current technology allows us to be ready for what the new technology is going to bring. Every large problem can be broken down into smaller, more manageable problems.
Training details
Schedule
Consult the Fall 2024 course calendar. Training will take place on October 25 and 26, 2024.
The training schedule and dates will be made available over the upcoming weeks for the Winter 2025 cohorts.
This program consists of 12 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.
Location
St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus
2 St. Lawrence Dr
Cornwall, Ontario
K6H 4Z1
How to apply to ADAS training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the training at St. Lawrence College.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Your training consultant
Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at St. Lawrence College.
Larry MacDonell
Program Coordinator
Innovation in Automotive Training
Email: larry.macdonell@aiacanada.com
Cellphone: +1 (613) 790-4804
Mentoring Excellence
The Mentoring Excellence training program is a facilitated live virtual training aimed at shop owners, managers and journey people working in Ontario’s mechanical automotive sector. This training will equip you with essential skills for effectively training your team, it comprises of several elements including guidance, practical understanding and best practices that foster diversity, equity and inclusion. Empower your staff, elevate your leadership abilities, and unlock your shop’s potential for success!
Your instructor
Mark Brotherson
Mark Brotherson is a seasoned professional with a robust career spanning over 26 years in the Automotive Service Technician trade (310A, now 310S). His extensive experience includes many years as the owner and operator of auto service businesses, bringing hands-on knowledge and industry insights to his work. Mark has also contributed 22 years to secondary education, with an 11-year tenure teaching auto shop, followed by 11 years as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) coordinator, fostering the next generation of skilled technicians.
Beyond his classroom and business roles, Mark has hosted “The Car Show” on Saturday mornings for three years, sharing his expertise with a broader audience. He has further enriched the education sector by teaching new instructors part-time at Western University for three years, where he imparts practical knowledge and teaching strategies.
Shab Baharyeh
Shab Baharyeh is the IDEAS Operations Lead at Pelmorex Corp (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness, Solidarity). Over the last 4 years, Shab has been collaborating with the leadership team and working with community members to reexamine policies and practices, co-creating an inclusion strategy that addresses the immediate needs of the organization, while being flexible and open to an evolving strategy that can meet future needs.
Shab completed the DEI Certification Program at Humber College with a mission of creating equity within Canadian organizations. She believes that the work of fostering spaces of belonging sits with each of us and although systemic issues need to be addressed collectively, individuals must examine and reflect on our belief systems, our complacency that perpetuates systems of oppression, and our power to turn reflection into action.
Training details
Schedule
The training schedule and dates will be made available over the upcoming weeks for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 cohorts.
This program consists of four 2-hour sessions (total 8 hours) of virtual training led by a college instructor.
Location
Virtual – a link to the training will be provided to you by email once your registration is complete.
How to apply to Mentoring Excellence training
Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant application form to apply for the virtual Mentoring Excellence training.
Questions?
Contact your training consultant.
Your training consultant
Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered for the Mentoring Excellence training.
Email: sdf@aiacanada.com
