Become a Respected Toyota Automotive Service Technician with Centennial College Training

Many of the cars you see on the road are manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation, which is one of the largest automobile makers by sales and production. With Toyota pumping out so many cars, expert technicians are needed to fix and maintain them. The best-trained technicians are those who specialize in Toyota technology because they can diagnose problems, quickly and correctly. At Centennial College, you are able to train to become a Toyota technician who is employable upon graduation.

If this area of the automotive field sounds like it may interest you, you can apply for the Automotive Service Technician Toyota modified apprenticeship program. The College expects applicants to be able to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. In order to be a successful applicant, you must also be employed by a Toyota 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.

You will spend one year studying the ins and outs of Toyota vehicles and the company’s latest technologies during your technician training. The Toyota Technician Training program has longer in-school sessions and offers more in-depth information than traditional apprenticeships. So how exactly does the technician training work? Every eight weeks, students alternate between the college and their employer. This occurs for a total of 64 weeks, during which they are paid for the apprenticeship aspect.

During in-school sessions the focus is on teaching students electronics and the diagnosing of computerized control systems. Students also learn all aspects of Toyota vehicle technology. They get to work on different Toyota systems such as electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, and all other aspects that would allow this make of vehicle to be serviced. Combined with the in-school sessions is the aspect of the program that sees students train on-the-job. During this time, they work alongside professionals applying their knowledge and learning new skills. Upon successful completion, students will complete on-the-job experience with their Toyota dealership employer.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology by 14 percent from 2006 through 2016, with increased job opportunities at dealerships, such as Toyota. The Toyota Automotive Service Techs must be able to diagnose problems using Toyota diagnostic equipment and perform repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Toyota Technicians also conduct vehicle inspections.