TestDrive | Automotive Sector Council

Partners

We are grateful for the contributions of our partners. TestDrive would not be possible without their efforts.

Automotive Industry Partners

Thank you to our Participating Employers

The following companies have provided the TestDrive students with the invaluable opportunity of experience in the automotive workplace. We appreciate them opening their doors to our students.

Information for Employers

Volunteers

Our volunteers have enriched the TestDrive program through sharing their knowledge, experience and even supplies. We cannot thank them enough.

Aaron Hebb Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes & Skills Canada Nova Scotia
Brent Gerrits Gerrits Collision
Anthony Grey Honda Regional Training Facility
Doug Dickie Nova Enterprises
Scott Blakeney Atlantic Dodge, Atlantic Collision, Nissan Truro
Tomelise Pierce, Dave Simon, Jeff Ord Atlantic Cat
Mike Perrin CarQuest
Brian Slaunwhite Part Source
Dave Giles NSCC
Blenkhorns Auto Recyclers Ltd
Automotive Sector Council’s TestDrive program is funded through a Workit Grant with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
TestDrive would not be possible without their support.
TestDrive is also funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

FAQ

Who is eligible?

The TestDrive Program is designed primarily for students enrolled in Options and Opportunities and Co-operative Education courses that focus on Automotive/Trade/Technology and Community-Based Learning courses. However, all students in participating school boards are eligible for the TestDrive program if they:

Are in grade 10 or 11
Will be 16 years of age, as of May 1, 2020
Are Registered in Co-op or O2 program (or will be registered 2nd term) or are in an Automotive Trades program at your school.
If you are not part of Co-op, O2 or Skilled Trades programs, you are still eligible to participate in the TestDrive program. Please speak to the Co-op or O2 teacher at your school.

What is the goal of the program?

Students will:

Be exposed to the work practices, tools and equipment relating to a variety of automotive trades
Receive industry standard safety training
Learn the steps to becoming an automotive apprentice
Experience learning from a journey-person/mentor
Complete 200 hours of mentored work experience,
Earn 300 hours towards youth-apprenticeship if the student decides to continue his or her training
Be paid an industry standard wage for your efforts

How much will it cost?

There is no charge to enter into the TestDrive program, however, there may be expenses inherent in the participation of the program. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, transportation to and from the work site.

Where will the training be held?

All training and work will be conducted within the metropolitan area of Halifax Regional Municipality. Exact locations will depend on the participation of our partners.

How will the program work?

There are several different components that make up the TestDrive Program. They are as follows:

Pre-Application Process

The TestDrive Project Manager will present to a group of students selected by their teachers for their interest in the trades, or their participation in automotive classes or co-ops.

Application Process

Students will complete a TestDrive application, cover letter and resume. They will be required to provide a teacher and community reference.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by The Automotive Sector Council and the TestDrive Project Manager. Selection will be based on the students demonstrated interest, cover letter and teacher and community recommendations.

Interview Process

All interviews will be held at a central location, and conducted by a TestDrive representative, a school board representative and industry employers.

Family Orientation Session

Once a student is welcomed to the program, we will hold an information session for the students AND their parents. There are risks and responsibilities inherent in working in the automotive trades and it is important for both students and parents to be aware of this. This session will be facilitated by TestDrive and may include industry representatives as well as school board representatives, in order to answer any questions students and family may have.

NSCC training sessions

Students will receive safety training specific to the NSCC Automotive labs, and receive classroom and practical learning opportunities with experienced teachers and automotive professionals. They will also complete a Profile XT in order for TestDrive to connect them with an appropriate mentor.

Evaluation

There will be an evaluation component throughout the learning sessions. The evaluation will be based on the students demonstrations of work ethic, maturity, social awareness, but most importantly their safety awareness. Skills learned and time spent on tasks will be a key element to the evaluation during the placement portion of the program.

Work Placement

The co-op placement will begin with a 30 hour, unpaid portion, to familiarize the student with their employers surroundings, safety concerns, and equipment. After this period the 200 hour paid placement may begin.

General Timeline

December	– Student/teacher presentation
December	– Application deadline
February	– Interview Prep Workshop
March	– Interviews
April	– Family orientation, risk management session
May	– NSCC Block 1
June	– NSCC Block 2
July	– Workplace Orientation (20hr)
July	– Work Placement (200hr)
August	– Closing Ceremony