General Motors Technicians Get Training and Theory at Centennial College

If you've always had an interest in cars, wanted to work under the hood and knew that a career path in the automotive industry would suit you, you may want to consider attending the GM technician training at Centennial College. General Motors is a great company for which to work, as in 2011 it was considered the world's largest automaker, by vehicle unit sales. In addition, GM employs 202,000 people and does business in some 157 countries. General Motors technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, including: 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.

To enter Centennial College's GM technician training, officially known as Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32), applicants must be currently employed as automotive apprentices at a General Motors of Canada dealership. In addition, they must 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.

This GM technician training is completed through alternating sessions between the college and students' employers for a total of 64 weeks (32 weeks with each). The focus of the overall training is on the latest GM vehicle systems, diagnosis and repair following recommended GM service procedures.

While they are in school, General Motors technicians will find that 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 encompass all of the latest GM vehicle systems. The offering is also longer than traditional apprenticeships, allowing for a more in-depth knowledge of General Motors vehicles and procedures.

Students also benefit from hands-on practice as the GM technician training is facilitated out of Centennial College's Ashtonbee Campus, which is Canada's latest transportation centre. As such, students practice on cars using tools they will find in the industry.

The second aspect of GM technician training — work periods with an employer — 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.