Take on the Responsibilities of General Motors Technicians with Comprehensive Apprenticeship

What better place to obtain GM technician training than at a college that is home to the province’s largest transportation training centre? Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus is that location and it boasts tools of the trade, car parts and a real-life dealership atmosphere to assist students in their learning. Additionally, because all of the School of Transportation’s programs are based here, students have the opportunity to interact with their peers and instructors who have much experience in the industry.

But what exactly does the Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32), which trains General Motors technicians entail? First and foremost, training takes on a unique balance between time spent on campus and time students spend with their employers (all students must be employed as apprentices when applying). As such, 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 offering is longer than traditional apprenticeships, allowing for a more in-depth knowledge of General Motors vehicles and procedures.

The emphasis of the GM technician training is on the latest GM vehicle systems, diagnosis and repair following recommended GM service procedures. With the alternating aspect, students learn skills, apply those skills with their employer and then return to school to master more advanced topics.

As such, while in school, General Motors technicians learn electrical and electronic systems diagnosis and repair, and attend five specific courses: Motor Vehicle Gear Trains, Electrical/Electronics & Fuel Systems, Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Applied Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brakes. Meanwhile, during the time they spend with their employer, General Motors technicians not only apply what they have learned in-class but also obtain tips from seasoned professionals with years of experience in the field, network and learn to deal with customers. During their employer sessions, students are compensated for their work.

As previously mentioned, GM technician training 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.

General Motors technicians write vehicle damage repair estimates, repair broken or worn mechanical components, maintain repair and service records, install equipment, components and systems; test vehicles both before and after repair; and repair electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, brakes, transmissions, electrical systems, breaks and tires.