Toyota Canada in Collaboration with Spinelli Dealerships Donates Car to LBPSB Automobile Mechanics Program
by Marilyn Santucci
The Lester B. Pearson School Board offers both automobile mechanics and electric vehicles mechanics programs. Held at the West Island Career Centre (WICC) in Pierrefonds, the programs teach students about the latest technologies in auto maintenance and repair. The automobile mechanics program is an 1800-hour Diplôme d’Études Professionnelles (DEP) and includes a stage placement in industry and prepares students to join the high-powered world of auto mechanics.
For the program to be successful, students must be comfortable working on a wide variety of makes and models. The centre has a large fleet of vehicles available, and students even can work on their own cars. The centre also receives donations from valuable commercial partnerships and from the local community.
Valued partnerships
The automobile mechanics program has had an ongoing partnership with Spinelli Dealerships in the West Island. Recently, they, along with Toyota Canada, donated a Toyota Camry to the program. This donation marks the second car provided by them, the first being an electric Nissan Leaf.
This new car will open new opportunities for students. It has a “problem box” built into the car that allows instructors to set problems that are then worked on by students. For example, the instructor can set a problem such as fuel not getting to the engine, and the students are then tasked with solving the issue.
These partnerships are vital for the program. Not only for the donations that are made, but also for the internships they offer students, which often turn into full-time jobs. Partners also visit WICC to meet with students and staff to discuss the latest trends and provide updates on the industry. Spinelli Dealerships also hires current students during peak periods, to help them get firsthand experience.
“It’s very good for our community because throughout the course, for example during tire season, they hire our students for that period and ensure their hours don’t interfere with their class schedule. So, students find themselves working after class, or on weekends, giving them on-site job experience,” says Bernard Duchesneau, automobile mechanics instructor.
They also look to students from other programs such as secretarial to intern or work at one of their dealerships. While the primary partnership is with automobile mechanics, other programs benefit as well.
Looking ahead
The automobile mechanics program is extremely popular, and waitlists continue to grow. Not surprisingly, more women and mature students are pursuing their passion and joining the program:
“Since starting as Assistant Director back in 2020, I have seen a continuous increase in women joining the auto mechanic program, with at least 2-3 individuals in each cohort,” says Andrew Czereyski, Assistant Director at WICC.
With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, program directors are brainstorming how they can expand EV mechanics program. Currently offering two courses, this 645-hour Attestation d’études professionnelles (AEP) program prepares students to join the world of hybrid and electric vehicle mechanics.
Both programs are always looking for donations. If you are thinking about giving your vehicle a second life, contact WICC!
