New Canadians and others wanting to start apprenticeship training, but who may have trouble finding a sponsoring employer, have a new path to their career goals.

Centennial College is offering an Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship training program tuition-free to people who want to work in the automotive trades. Funding is generously provided by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

There are three distinct programs: Truck and Coach Technician, Automotive Service Technician, and an innovative all-women's Automotive Service Technician program. All are designed to ease would-be apprentices into the world of technician training.

Each 36-week program gives students:

• knowledge of automotive and truck/coach technology in our modern labs;
• English and math/computer skills upgrading; and
• job-readiness skills such as resume writing and interview techniques.

Centennial College will help students arrange a 12-week job placement working in the related repair garage, car dealership, or truck operation.

Apprenticeship is a major employment growth area due to the large number of skilled workers who are set to retire. The Ontario government is offering interest-free loans to buy tools, $4,000 in incentive grants over the duration of the apprenticeship, and tax credits for employers to encourage more hiring of apprentices for skills training. The Ministry also pays wage supplements to employers while apprentices are on their work placements.

To be eligible for entry:

• participants must be a minimum of 16 years old;
• must have their Grade 12 diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
• must be eligible to work in Ontario; and
• must have a valid Ontario driver's licence.

Graduates will receive credit for Truck and Coach Technician Level 1 or Automotive Service Technician Level 1, exempting them from the first level of 8-week in-school apprenticeship training at Centennial's School of Transportation.