GM Technician Training Offers Vital Industry Skills and Know-How

Those who attend an Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship, such as Centennial College’s General technician training, go on to take on a variety of responsibilities. Automotive service technicians: review work orders; road test motor vehicles, and test automotive systems and components; change, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems; test and change repaired systems to the required standards; perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune-ups; advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirement. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers (for example, those who attend this training are equipped become General Motors technicians), garages and service stations, automotive specialty shops and retail establishments, which have automotive service shops.

At Centennial College, those who are currently employed at a General Motors dealer and wish to advance their career, may apply to attend Centennial College’s GM technician training or Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32), as it is officially known. Aside from already being employed in the field, these technicians must also possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. It should be noted that if students are not currently General Motors employees, they may also be selected through an interview process. Once they’ve been accepted, they’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 technician training is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited.

Because this GM technician training combines both in-school lessons and on-the-job experience, students alternate between Centennial College and their place of employment for 64 weeks (32 weeks with each). While they are on-campus, students use the labs and tools of the trade with which Ashtonbee Campus, the provinces largest transportation training centre, is equipped.

The topics covered during the in-school sessions of GM technician training include: all of the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair, following recommended GM service procedures. A large portion of the program involves vehicle electrical and electronic systems diagnosis and repair. Specific courses within the GM technician training include: Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Electrical, Electronics & Fuel Systems; Gear Trains, Applied Work Practices & Procedures; Steering, Suspension & Brakes; and more. During the time they alternate to their place of employment, students apply what they have learned and obtain new knowledge in order to come back to Centennial College prepared to master more advanced topics.

Upon graduation, GM technician technicians receive up to 21 GM Dealer Technician Training Credits and an Ontario College Certificate.