Sunday, October 3, 2010

Specialize in the Technology of Honda with the Automotive Service Technician Honda Apprenticeship

Did you know that Honda is the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14-million internal combustion engines each year? Also, as of August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the United States. Lastly, Honda is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Such impressive statistics ensure that Automotive Service Technicians have plenty of work in the Honda world. However, those trained in the Automotive Service Technician Honda Apprenticeship (MAP 32) at Centennial College are even further ahead of the competition, as their knowledge is specialized to this particular make of vehicle.

Centennial College’s one-year Honda Apprenticeship focuses on Honda’s engines, parts and latest technologies. In order to apply for this program, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. They must also be employed by a Honda dealership or be selected through an interview process. Candidates may apply directly to Centennial College, with successful applicants obtaining an employer and registering as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The application for the Automotive Service Technician Honda MAP 32 program can be completed online. It should be noted that acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited.

Once in the program, you will find that training, which also includes Acura specialization, is more in-depth with longer in-school sessions than traditional apprenticeships. That’s because every eight weeks, students alternate between the College and their employer for a total of 64 weeks. Therefore, a solid 32 weeks is spent in-school and another 32 are spent in the field. The combination allows for a better-rounded education. During the school sessions, electronics and the diagnosing of computerized control systems are emphasized. And, to further their knowledge, students also learn other aspects of vehicle technology. Training out of Ontario’s largest automotive training facility, they work systems such as electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, and all other aspects that would allow a Honda vehicle to be serviced. Although the in-school session is hands on, the real life learning comes from the apprenticeship feature of the program. It is during this time that students are employed by a Honda dealership and are actually compensated for their work. Please note that students in the Centennial College Automotive Service Technician Honda program may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class training.

Opportunities at dealerships such as Honda are increasing as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology to grow by 14 percent from 2006 through 2016. The professionals employed by these dealerships have a variety of tasks, including: diagnosing problems using Honda diagnostic equipment; performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Honda technicians also conduct vehicle inspections.

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