This September, Niagara College’s School of Trades teamed up with Workforce Development and Community Programs to deliver a specialized course to train automotive service managers, technicians, and apprentices from Canadian Tire on hybrid and electric vehicles in NC’s Green Automotive Lab.
“Auto shops, dealers, franchise companies and fleets – they’ve all been asking for this training,” said Wayne Toth, professor in the School of Trades. “There’s very little hybrid and electric training available beyond the manufacturers. We knew there was demand and that Niagara College had the expertise to meet that demand.”
With over two million hybrid cars on the road today and with many of these vehicles coming off warranty, owners are in need of service – a significant sales opportunity for auto mechanics with the latest training.
“Hybrid or electric vehicles still have brakes, tires, suspension parts, etc. so if technicians are afraid to work on the car, they’re losing out on a sales opportunity,” said Toth. “This training gives them the confidence to work with customers.”
Eleven participants from Canadian Tire took part in the first 12-hour course taught over four days at the Welland Campus. Instructor Dave Harrigan led students through the hands-on training, from important safety precautions when working with high-voltage systems to taking apart batteries. The Automotive Training Series also provides sales training for those working with the public in a service setting.
“The College’s model of training is helping Canadian Tire retail employees – automotive service managers, technicians, and apprentices – build on their knowledge and skills so they can meet the growing service demands for hybrid and electric in the automotive industry. This helps Canadian Tire stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in the auto service sector. I look forward to expanding this opportunity to staff and stores across Ontario.” said Jon Fitz-Henry, automotive business support manager, Erie/Niagara, Hamilton, and South-Western Ontario, Canadian Tire Retail, and member of NC’s Program Advisory Committee.
Since it’s opening in April 2018, the 3,600 square-foot Green Automotive Lab has prepared NC students for the rapidly evolving automotive sector. The lab boasts electric vehicle charging stations, hybrid and electric motor diagnostic and simulation tools, and is home to several donated hybrid and fully electric vehicles that grant students hands-on access to the latest tools and technology. The lab is part of Niagara College’s $64 million campus redevelopment project, and was made possible by $1.4 million in provincial funding.
Workforce Development and Community Programs, and the School of Trades have plans to open the course publicly this winter to serve the local automotive industry. The possibilities are endless. From first responders who may require training on how to safely approach hybrid vehicles in a crash, to professional development opportunities for high school trades teachers.
“Niagara College is always looking at new ways to leverage the diverse expertise of our faculty to offer new programming to meet industry needs,” said Joanne Bakker, associate dean, Workforce Development. “We’re pleased to offer this training to Canadian Tire staff.”
