Innovation in Automotive Training

Information package

The type of work that automotive tradespeople do is being transformed. The development and expansion of electric vehicle sales have driven a need for new skills and expertise in automotive repair and maintenance. 

Automotive Industries Association of Canada has joined forces with Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, St. Lawrence College and Plug N’ Drive to offer FREE training programs to develop new expertise and skills in the auto care industry. 

Conestoga College

Career Exploration training

The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.

Your instructor

Gary Holman

Gary’s automotive interests started early in the family’s backyard garage. He held up the light so others could perform the repairs. Eventually, Gary began performing the repairs himself and he went on to complete the AST apprenticeship program at Mohawk College and receive his 310S license in 2010.


Gary began his career working mostly at dealerships (Ford and Nissan). He reached Ford Senior Technician status while at Ford and became a Ford Deisel Certified lead technician. At Nissan, he was a Senior Technician and took the initiative to help mentor and teach new apprentices how to navigate the Automotive Service Technician Industry.


Gary’s career also introduced him to the world of Material Handling Equipment. Having an Automotive background allowed for a smooth transition into this Industry. There, he worked on many types of Propane and Electric lifting equipment, performing diagnostics and repairs onsite at Customer locations.


In 2022, Gary joined the Faculty at Conestoga College where he has taught several post-secondary and apprenticeship level courses. He has enjoyed the opportunity to share his knowledge with new students and looks forward to the future of the Automotive Industry.
Outside of the shop Gary is an enthusiastic supporter of youth sports and volunteers his time as a certified coach and trainer for hockey, soccer, and football. He is also a Level 2 Hockey Canada Referee and proud hockey dad. Every night is Hockey Night at the Holman house!

Training details

Schedule 
 

The first training cohort begins on Monday, September 18, 2023.

This program consists of 2-3 days a week for seven consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.

Consult and download the full Fall 2023 course schedule for:

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

Conestoga College, Guelph Campus

460 Speedvale Ave W

Guelph, Ontario

N1E 1P1

How to apply to Career Exploration training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Conestoga College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs. 

Your instructor

Corey Hussey

Corey Hussey’s career spans two decades, where he has been a Pro Technician at Simcoe Toyota, Master Technician at Woodstock Toyota, and now, a Master Technician at Brantford Toyota. Through this time, he has received electric vehicle and hybrid certification as a way to better service consumers. In addition, Corey is a worker representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee and has been a mentor to co-op students and apprentices to ensure professional grade work is completed. 

Deeply passionate about teaching and the automotive industry, Corey Hussey looks forward to teaching students through connection, collaboration, and tech-savvy course materials to keep engagement high. 

Paul Hoffer

Paul Hoffer aims to encourage and support up-and-coming electric vehicle (EV) technicians through his impressive experience as an automotive technician and unwavering drive to teach. 

Paul started his career as an automotive apprentice at Gord Anderson Buick and soon worked his way up to being a licensed automotive technician. For the past twenty years, Paul has been a licensed automotive technician at Heffner Lexus in Kitchener, Ontario, and a part-time instructor at Conestoga College for the past two years.  

In his spare time, Paul is also on the Board of Directors at the Woodstock Flying Club. He holds various licenses and certifications, including his private pilot’s license and Red Seal Certification. Paul hopes to pass on his passion for learning to the students at Conestoga College’s EV Up-skilling training. 

Training details

Schedule

Training begins on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.

Conduct one module over the course of two consecutive Thursday evenings or in one Saturday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Consult and download the full Fall 2023 course schedule (updated as of September 20, 2023).

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

Conestoga College, Guelph Campus

460 Speedvale Ave W

Guelph, Ontario

N1E 1P1

How to apply to EV Up-skilling training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Conestoga College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training

The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.

Your instructor

To be announced.

Training details

Schedule

This program consists of 16 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor. 

Consult and download the full Fall 2023 course schedule (updated as of September 20, 2023).

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023. 

Location

Conestoga College, Guelph Campus

460 Speedvale Ave W

Guelph, Ontario

N1E 1P1

How to apply to ADAS training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Conestoga College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Your training consultant

Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at Conestoga College.

Micaela Korb, Senior Project Coordinator, Innovation in Automotive Training

Micaela Korb

Senior Project Coordinator

Innovation in Automotive Training

Email: micaela.korb@aiacanada.com 

Cellphone: +1 (226) 962-7542

Fanshawe College

Career Exploration training

The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.

Training details

Schedule

The first training cohort begins on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

This program consists of 2-3 days a week for seven consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.

Consult and download the full Fall 2023 course schedule for:

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

Fanshawe, London Campus

1001 Fanshawe College Blvd

London, Ontario

N5Y 5R6

Your instructor

Luke Grace, Fanshawe College Instructor

Luke Grace

Being In love with automobiles his whole life, Luke joined the gear wrench scene in 2000 as a service advisor. With a natural curiosity of how vehicles worked, he began working on automotive projects in his free time. He soon became a mechanic, working on a variety of vehicles from General Motors (GM) to Volkswagen (VW) to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). He further mastered this craft and was able to combine his techniques with the bucket of bolts. In 2019, Luke parked his roots at Fanshawe College while also managing a local mechanic and bodyshop part-time.  

How to apply to Career Exploration training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Fanshawe College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs. 

Your instructor

Luke Grace, Fanshawe College Instructor

Luke Grace

Being In love with automobiles his whole life, Luke joined the gear wrench scene in 2000 as a service advisor. With a natural curiosity of how vehicles worked, he began working on automotive projects in his free time. He soon became a mechanic, working on a variety of vehicles from General Motors (GM) to Volkswagen (VW) to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). He further mastered this craft and was able to combine his techniques with the bucket of bolts. In 2019, Luke parked his roots at Fanshawe College while also managing a local mechanic and bodyshop part-time.  

Training details

Schedule

Consult and download the full Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 course schedule.

This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.

Location

Fanshawe, London Campus

1001 Fanshawe College Blvd

London, Ontario

N5Y 5R6

How to apply to EV Up-skilling training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Fanshawe College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training

The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.

Your instructor

To be announced.

Training details

Schedule

The Fall 2023 schedule will be announced soon.

This program consists of 16 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

Fanshawe, London Campus

1001 Fanshawe College Blvd

London, Ontario

N5Y 5R6

How to apply to ADAS training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at Fanshawe College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Your training consultant

Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at Fanshawe College.

Susan Ramroop, Senior Project Coordinator, Innovation in Automotive Training

Susan Ramroop

Senior Project Coordinator

Innovation in Automotive Training

Email: susan.ramroop@aiacanada.com

Cellphone: +1 (226) 228-2847

St. Lawrence College

Career Exploration training

The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance.

Your instructor

Cameron Duncan

Cameron Duncan brings over a decade of experience, a long list of skills, and a positive and engaging attitude to the classroom at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. Cameron started out as an apprentice over ten years ago and has climbed the industry ladder, where he is now a full-time licensed fleet mechanic and Professor of Automotive Technology at St. Lawrence College.  

Showing no interest in slowing down, he continues to learn and earn certificates in his own time. From being certified in welding by the Canadian Welding Bureau, becoming an electric and hybrid vehicle specialist at Hyundai, to winning awards throughout his career, Cameron Duncan is excited to bring his skills and expertise to the Innovation in Automotive Training program. 

Training details

Schedule

Consult and download the Fall 2023 course schedule.

This program consists of 3 days a week for five consecutive weeks of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus

2 St. Lawrence Dr

Cornwall, Ontario

K6H 4Z1

How to apply to Career Exploration training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at St. Lawrence College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Electric Vehicle Up-skilling training

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs. 

Your instructor

Saifullah Sanaye

Saifullah Sanaye, R.S.E.

Saifullah is a leader in the Ottawa automotive community where he is known as an expert in advanced vehicle diagnostics, especially in the area of hybrid and electric vehicle diagnostics. A 310s Automotive Service Technician for over 12 years, Saifullah owns an auto repair shop, teaches, consults and has a unique and diverse diagnostic skillset that is valued across the automotive industry.

Using this skillset, Saifullah offers highly sought-after consultant services to multiple OEM dealerships and aftermarket repair shops, not only to provide advanced vehicle diagnostics, but to train licensed and apprentice technicians. Saifullah is known locally as “the guy your mechanic calls”.

In an industry with constant innovation, Saifullah is acutely aware of the need for effective continual education. He currently teaches several automotive classes, organizes and coordinates skills competitions and coordinates the red seal exam prep week at St. Lawrence College – Cornwall. Saifullah is also assisting St. Lawrence College in lithium-ion battery fire suppression, where he acts as a high voltage lithium battery expert.

Training details

Schedule

Consult and download the Fall 2023 course schedule (updated as of September 20, 2023).

This program consists of 8-hour modules (8 modules available) of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor tailored to individual needs and interests.

Conduct one module over the course of a Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus

2 St. Lawrence Dr

Cornwall, Ontario

K6H 4Z1

How to apply to EV Up-skilling training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at St. Lawrence College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training

The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to understand ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS.

Your instructor

Saifullah Sanaye

Saifullah Sanaye, R.S.E.

Saifullah is a leader in the Ottawa automotive community where he is known as an expert in advanced vehicle diagnostics, especially in the area of hybrid and electric vehicle diagnostics. A 310s Automotive Service Technician for over 12 years, Saifullah owns an auto repair shop, teaches, consults and has a unique and diverse diagnostic skillset that is valued across the automotive industry.

Using this skillset, Saifullah offers highly sought-after consultant services to multiple OEM dealerships and aftermarket repair shops, not only to provide advanced vehicle diagnostics, but to train licensed and apprentice technicians. Saifullah is known locally as “the guy your mechanic calls”.

In an industry with constant innovation, Saifullah is acutely aware of the need for effective continual education. He currently teaches several automotive classes, organizes and coordinates skills competitions and coordinates the red seal exam prep week at St. Lawrence College – Cornwall. Saifullah is also assisting St. Lawrence College in lithium-ion battery fire suppression, where he acts as a high voltage lithium battery expert.

Training details

Schedule

Consult and download the Fall 2023 course schedule.

This program consists of 16 hours of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by a college instructor.

The winter 2024 cohort schedule will be announced in late Fall 2023.

Location

St. Lawrence, Cornwall Campus

2 St. Lawrence Dr

Cornwall, Ontario

K6H 4Z1

How to apply to ADAS training

Complete and submit the Innovation in Automotive Training participant registration form to register for the training at St. Lawrence College.

Questions?

Contact your training consultant.

Your training consultant

Contact your training consultant to pose your questions and inquiries concerning the training program best suited for your needs or for additional information on the trainings offered at St. Lawrence College.

Beth Steel, Project Manager, Innovation in Automotive Training

Beth Steel

Project Manager

Innovation in Automotive Training

Email: beth.steel@aiacanada.com

Cellphone: +1 (613) 246-4078

These programs are funded by:

Park N Fly Benefits

How the program works

  • Members select their departure city from the drop-down menu
    1. Choose Valet or Self-Park where applicable
    2. Enter their outbound and return dates
    3. Click find your rate
    4. The rates will automatically load
    5. Print a copy of the coupon
  • When exiting the lot
    1. Scan the printed Park’N Fly coupon at the Self-Park pay station
  • If members are using a Valet location
    • Hand a copy of the printed voucher to the agent at check-out or give them the discount code 1120313 once the code is entered by the agent the rate will automatically append to the AIA Canada rate program.
  • Discount Code 1120313
  • At check out members simply scan their pre-printed coupon the Valet or Self-Park pay station
  • When exiting the lot
    • Select form of payment
      1. Credit card
      2. Debit card
    • If they have any difficulties simply
      1. Manually enter 1120313 at the pay station and the rate will be applied
    • Scan the Park’N Fly ticket