General Motors Technicians Benefit from Centennial College's Brand of Training

Writing vehicle damage repair estimates, repairing broken or worn mechanical components, maintaining repair and service records, installing equipment, components and systems; testing vehicles both before and after repair; and repairing electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, brakes, transmissions, electrical systems, breaks and tires — these are some of the responsibilities of trained General Motors technicians.

In order to have a long lasting career in this field, interested parties must be properly trained. Schools across Canada offer general automotive service technician training. But Centennial College's Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32) specifically trains students on the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair following recommended GM service procedures. This puts students at an advantage when it comes to the stiff competition they may face upon completion of the GM technician training.

Applicants to this offering must be currently employed as an automotive apprentice at a General Motors of Canada dealership. In addition, they must also possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. Interested parties can apply directly to the College. Acceptance to the GM technician training is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited. It should be noted that if students are not currently General Motors employees, they may be selected through an interview process. Once they've been accepted, they are required to obtain an employer and register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The Centennial College GM technician training has students alternate between the college and their employer for a total of 64 weeks (32 weeks with each). As such, the offering is longer than traditional apprenticeships, allowing for a more in-depth knowledge of General Motors vehicles and procedures. During the in-school aspect of the General Motors technician training, students are based in Ashtonbee Campus, Canada's largest transportation training centre. At this facility they have the opportunity to use tools that are common in the field and practice on actual GM vehicles that have been donated to the school. This gives them an overall idea of a real-life General Motors technician's experience.

A large portion of the in-school aspects of the program involves vehicle electrical and electronic systems diagnosis and repair. There are five specific courses within the GM technician training, in which students participate: Motor Vehicle Gear Trains, Electrical/Electronics & Fuel Systems, Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Applied Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brakes. These courses encompasses all of the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair, following recommended GM service procedures. Meanwhile, the employer aspect of the GM technician training allows students to apply their new knowledge, obtain tips from seasoned professionals with years of experience in the field and network. During their employer sessions, students are compensated for their work.

General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at Centennial College