Fanshawe seeking local automotive partners to host placements for pre-apprentice hopefuls

Following a successful inaugural program in 2023, Fanshawe College’s Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) is thrilled to have two more Automotive Service Technician (310S) pre-apprentice programs underway for 2024. These programs are aimed at supporting individuals from underrepresented communities take the first step towards becoming future automotive apprentices and begin their successful careers in the automotive sector. The programs are actively seeking partnerships with local employers to provide work placement opportunities for participants throughout the fall and winter. 

As the demand for skilled automotive technicians continues to grow, CTS’s pre-apprenticeship programs are proving to be a pivotal step towards a rewarding career in the automotive industry. These programs not only provide participants with foundational 310S level 1 skill training, but they also serve as a crucial pathway to securing apprenticeships and long-term employment in the field. 

"We’re excited to build upon the success of our 2023 program and are ready to support employers in addressing the critical labour shortages we’re seeing in the sector," says Heather Carey, Senior Manager of CTS. "By hosting placements, employers have the opportunity to mentor and evaluate potential apprentices while contributing to the development of a skilled workforce.” 

Employer partnerships are crucial to the program's success as they provide participants with the opportunity to apply their level 1 skills under the guidance of experienced technicians and supervisors. In addition to the employer placement support through CTS, eligible employers also receive a wage subsidy of up to $250 per week per participant, with a maximum subsidy of $3000. The subsidy is designed to offset some of the costs associated with providing valuable on-the-job training and mentorship to program participants. 

“We encourage all employers in the automotive service and repair sector, including dealerships, independent repair shops, and specialty automotive businesses to consider hosting one of our employment ready participants,” says Carey. “It's a win-win scenario where participants gain valuable hands-on experience, and employers have the opportunity to shape skilled workers who can help their service teams and their business." 

The pre-apprentice program, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, consists of 14 weeks of on-site training covering the practical theory, as well as the skills required to achieve Level 1 of the 301S apprenticeship training. Once participants successfully complete the in-person training, they are required to complete a 10-week paid work placement. Participants in the June program will be placement ready by mid-September and must complete their placement by December 2024. September intake participants will be ready for placements mid-January 2025, and must complete their placement by end of March of that year. 
 
“Our government has attracted over $43 billion in investments in the automotive and EV industries,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That is why, we are proud to support Fanshawe’s pre-apprenticeship program which will help more people enter the automotive related trades to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.” 
 
Employers interested in hosting a work placement are asked to contact Dan Fish, Pre-Apprenticeship Program Job Developer at cts@fanshawec.ca. 
 
In-person classes and automotive shop training are taking place at Fanshawe’s London Campus, supplemented by a variety of online activities focused on enhancing skills for employment (e.g., tools to help with resumes, cover letters, and self-confidence development workshops). Hand tools, personal protective equipment and additional learning resources are provided to participants for optimal safety. To find out more about the program, go to fanshawec.ca/preapp.  

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.