The Keys to Successful Staffing

Seven tips to secure top talent By Maddy Kylie Welcome to the Canadian aftermarket, where the average age of the collision repair technician is 49, and the average age of the apprentice is 29. In other words, the nation’s skills shortage has situated the industry in desperate times. Pile on a pandemic and the conundrum […]

The 411 on 410N

SATA Canada’s new apprenticeship course offering Do you have a trusted, skilled painter on your staff roster? If not, you better get to brushing up. It’s a secret to none that Canada’s automotive aftermarket is in the drawls of a skills shortage—and painters are no exception. In a July survey issued by Collision Repair magazine, […]

Fix Network stays on course

Post-COVID-19, virtual learning has taken centerstage as the aftermarket industry redefines operations to keep technicians on top of industry trends. Despite the challenges, Sophie Pepin of Fix Network believes learning should never stop. “For quite some time now, the phrase ‘new normal’ has become commonplace. It’s a new term which perfectly encapsulates how our lives […]

A FALL FROM PACE

Train now—the world won’t wait for you to catch up By Darryl Simmons When was the last time you learned something at work? If your answer isn’t today, something is wrong. Ask anyone that’s spent a day working in the automotive aftermarket and they’ll tell you that this industry holds a pace akin to the […]

Free Service Technician Webinar from ASE: Diagnostic Alignment Angles Explained

Leesburg, Virginia – Nov. 5, 2020 – The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is hosting a free webinar for service technicians on Friday, Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET entitled “Diagnostic Alignment Angles Explained.” If the vehicle you are servicing is still pulling after an alignment, diagnostic alignment angles will help reduce comebacks. […]

Red Seal Ready: APPRENTICESHIPS FROM COAST TO COAST

Established in 1966, the Red Seal program was formed to make it easier for skilled tradespeople to find jobs in Canada. Once apprentices have completed their training, they, along with certified journeypersons, can take an interprovincial standards examination to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their certificates of qualifications. Having the Red Seal qualification allows […]

Apprentices Fixed with New Support: Ontario announces $2.5 million grant

Toronto, Ontario — The Government of Canada announced a new grant to help apprentices re-secure work amid the pandemic. The Ontario Tools Grant will provide apprentices with $2.5 million in 2020-21 and $7.5 million in 2021-22. The program will assist apprentices in the purchase of tools, protective equipment, manuals and clothing required for their trades. […]

Still in Session: Learning continues at Tropicana Community Services

Toronto, Ontario ⁠— April 7 marked the first day of class for Tropicana’s Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer 310B Pre-Apprenticeship Level 1 online learning program as virtual classes continue through the pandemic. Five teachers from the Toronto District School Board and Essential Skills Upgrading have committed to supports the 20-strong class of 2020. Each […]

Calling All Young Guns: Calgary to host the CAF’s National Apprenticeship Conference

Calgary, Alberta — The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum will host its 2020 National Apprenticeship Conference in Calgary, running from May 24-26. It will take place at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. The 2020 conference will highlight initiatives, programs and strategies that help attract and retain top talent in skilled trade positions in fields like automotive […]