A number of Prince George car dealerships are looking to support the studies and training of students, which they will one day be pulled from for employment.
The Prince George Car Dealership Association (PGCDA) and New Car Dealers’ Foundation of BC (NCDFBC) are launching three new awards at CNC to assist students pursuing a career path in the automotive industry.
The awards, which total $10,000 annually, include three scholarships and a bursary for students registered in the Auto Service Technician Foundation-Level program at CNC. The PGCDA and NCDFBC have also created a scholarship for a CNC student registered in the Business Management or Accounting and Finance program.
“Normally, we put through 16 to 32 foundation students each year,” John Reed, Operations Manager of the School of Trades and Technology at CNC. “Once they’ve completed the program, obviously they’re going to be looking for apprenticeships within the local community at the dealerships. The support from the dealerships is very important from our perspective, as well as the students’ perspective.”
The foundation program is 20 weeks, followed up by a four-year apprenticeship.
“Like many industries, the automotive sector is facing a labour shortage in job professions that include automotive service technicians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA). “It’s our pleasure to partner with New Car Dealers’ members in Prince George to provide scholarship and bursary opportunities that will help forge meaningful career opportunities in the industry.”
The NCDA represents more than 390 New Car Dealers throughout the province, who generate close to $17 billion in economic activity, pump $2.9 billion net GDP directly into BC’s economy, and employ more than 30,000 high paying jobs in 55 communities it serves. The PGCDA provides services and products within the City of Prince George and B.C.’s northern region.
“Prince George New Car Dealers are proud to be able to assist students in this region pursue career opportunities in the automotive sector,” said Peter Sia, General Manager of Northland Nissan. “Not only does this create greater certainty and flexibility for the local industry, it ensures our young people have a chance to develop the skills that will allow them to launch and maintain a career in their own community.”
Through the foundation program, students are introduced to basics in operating tools that would be used in the automotive industry. Especially this time of year, Reed adds that fundamental skills like seasonal tire changes are also taught to the students.