NSCC Student Success Centre

NSCC Automotive Student Success Centre!

The automotive service and repair industry offers challenging and interesting career opportunities, in an ever-changing environment. With a growing economy, advancements in vehicle technology and the need for apprentices, employers welcome the opportunity to meet NSCC automotive students throughout the school year to discuss future employment opportunities.

To support you through the automotive NSCC program, the NS Automotive Human Resource Sector Council has developed this online automotive student success centre to help you make an informed career decision.

Automotive Careers

If you are looking for a career that offers a challenge, ongoing training  and problem solving, the automotive service technician or collision repair technician may be the career for you!

The industry offers over 45 professional career choices from automotive service/collision technician, client services to management! Click here to learn more available careers.

You can also review the 45 career choices by downloading the Steer Your Way Career brochure.

Automotive Apprenticeship Training Program

Once you have obtained a full time job as a new technician, you will enter into an Apprenticeship Training agreement with your employer. You will be referred to as an ‘Apprentice’.

An Apprentice is someone who is learning their trade under the supervision of a journeyperson. An apprentice has entered into an apprenticeship agreement with his/her employer and this agreement is registered with the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

Refer Career in Trades Canada to find out more information on how apprenticeship can work for you!

To learn more about Nova Scotia’s Apprenticeship training program, visit www.apprenticeship.ednet.ns.ca.

Automotive Industry Scholarship

The Automotive industry offers a number of education scholarships for automotive students.

Getting Started in the Industry

To discover your best fit in terms of an employer and working environment, we encourage to visit three to five (3 – 5) businesses to decide if you prefer to work in a small, medium or large organization. Each will offer very different opportunities and challenges.

This will help you learn what various employers have to offer during your required NSCC work placement and future employment.

Download our list of Questions to Ask an Employer.

Work Part-Time While In School

As an NSCC student, we encourage you to consider working in the industry part-time while in school. This exposure will help you become acquainted with working conditions, career opportunities, and identify your best fit with an employer.

NSCC students can accept an employment offer, register as an apprentice and work during the school year. Registering as an apprentice gives you a jump start on the hours required for certification.

National Apprentice Tax Incentives are available for registered apprentices. Click here to go to the Apprentice Success Centre on this site for more details.

Other Entry Level Automotive Jobs

• Autolot attendant
• Auto parts driver
• Windshield / glass installer
• Tire installer/ lube specialist
• Auto detailer
• Parts dismantler

Accredited Apprenticeship Hours

NSCC graduates who become employed apprentices will receive apprenticeship hours that count towards the 8000 hours required for Certification.

• Automotive Service Repair students receive 1000 hours.
• Motor Vehicle Repair (Body and Paint) students receive 1000 hours per year, for a total of 2000 hours.

NS Automotive Industry Associations

The Automotive Service and Repair Industry of Nova Scotia is comprised of many industry associations. The objectives of the various associations are to improve the economic and labour market standards.

Their members support NSCC students during their work terms and encourage students to apply for full time employment.

Are You the Best in Nova Scotia?

Find out through Skills Nova Scotia Competitions!

Challenge your technical skills against other provincial apprentices! Win the Gold medal and head to Skills Canada national competitions. Win the National gold medal and join the elite group of apprentices. This is your chance to travel worldwide to the International Skills Competition. Sponsorship available for all levels of competition.

Find all the details at skillsns.ednet.ns.ca

Industry Training

During your apprentice years and after Certification, you will need to stay current with the latest manufacturer products, technology advancements and service processes. The industry offers many technical and business courses. It’s important for you to ask you employer for ongoing training.

TestDrive

Find out if the Automotive Industry is right for you by joining the ASC TestDrive program. The Test Drive program offers students the chance to work in three different automotive trades, while    earning 3 high school co-op credits, 300 apprenticeship hours, and NSCC scholarship opportunities.  And to top it all off, you’ll get paid for a portion of your summer work placement!

What Employers Expect from NSCC Graduates:

• A can-do attitude
• Work Safe
• On time and prepared
• Goals
• Be open to suggestions and change
• Confidence
• Initiative and Responsibility
• Co-operate and be a team player
• Ask questions and learn from your mentor
• Attention to detail