GM Technician Training Gets Your Job Ready Quickly

Automotive service technicians inspect vehicles and detect technical faults, conduct servicing, oil changes and suggest the change of auto parts; note customer grievances regarding the vehicle; coordinate with the purchase department of the organization for spare parts of vehicles; test engines to ensure seamless functionality; and ensure the compliance of all automotive safety norms and regulations. They are clearly vital in making our roads safe. Many of these automotive service technicians choose to specialize in working with cars from a specific manufacture, such as General Motors. And now is a great time to get into the field as a General Motors Technician because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology by 14 per cent from 2006 through 2016.

To obtain a meaningful job in this field, you must first attend a post-secondary institution such as Centennial College, which offers a GM technician training program that combines both in-school sessions and field experience. Lasting 64 weeks in total, this program is more in depth than traditional apprenticeships, ensuring that students are well prepared and have an edge on the competition. In the 64 weeks, time is evenly split between attending classes and labs on-campus and working alongside experienced professionals at a GM dealership.

The on-campus sessions are conducted out of Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus, which is actually the largest transportation training centre in the province. It is not only equipped similarly to a dealership - with General Motors engines, parts and latest technologies - but the faculty members who teach out of it have years of industry experience. The instructors within the GM technician training program, teach students systems such as electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, and all other aspects that would allow a GM vehicle to be serviced. Students also learn about electronics and the diagnosing of computerized control systems.

After they are made comfortable with the parts of a GM vehicle, students head out into the field to gain hands-on experience in everything they have just learned in-class. In the time they spend with an employer, students apply their knowledge and soak up the tips from professionals already in the field. During this time, students are compensated for their work.

Upon graduation, General Motors technicians perform many tasks, including: diagnosing problems using General Motors diagnostic equipment as well as performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires.

In order to apply to the GM technician training, you must possess at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. You must also be employed by a General Motors dealership. However, if they are not, they may also be selected through an interview process. If you’re interested in the apprenticeship, you may apply directly to the College. Once you’ve successfully been accepted, you’ll have to obtain an employer and register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance to the GM Automotive Service Tech program is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited. Check out the online application for this GM technician training