TestDrive - Automotive Sector CouncilAutomotive 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.

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.

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, 2021
Have an interest to explore careers in the Motive Power industry

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
Earn up to 3 Co-Op credits
Complete 200 hours of mentored work experience,
Earn up to 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?

Training will take place at a NSCC campus in the students’ area. 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.

Interview Process

All interviews will be held at a central location, and conducted by TestDrive Program Manager, Youth Pathways Consultant, 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 families. There are risks and responsibilities inherent in working in the automotive trades and it is important for both students and family to be aware of this. This session will provide an overview of the program and 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.

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 200 hour paid placement with the employer will begin in July.

General Timeline

February	– Student/teacher presentation
February	– Application deadline
March	– Interviews
April	– Family orientation session
May/June	– NSCC Training sessions
July – August	– Work Placement (200 hr)
October	– Closing Ceremony

Click for more information about our partners:

Automotive Sector Council of Nova Scotia www.automotivesectorcouncil.ca

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency http://nsapprenticeship.ca/agency

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, www.ednet.ns.ca

Halifax Regional Centre for Education hrce.ca

Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education ccrce.ca

South Shore Regional Centre for Education ssrce.ca

Tri-County Regional Centre for Education tcrce.ca

Conseil scolaire acadien provincial csap.ca

Nova Scotia Community College www.nscc.ca

Careers in Trades (Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and Skills Canada), www.apprenticetrades.ca

Youth Apprenticeship at: http://workitns.ca

Helpful Resources for Career Development

Essential Skills Information

Employment Nova Scotia

The Test Drive program offers students the chance to work in a variety of different motive power trades

Earn 3 high school co-op credits, 300 apprenticeship hours, and experience motive power safety training at NSCC. In addition, students are paid for their summer work placement.

As funded by and in partnership with

Info For

Students

Info For

Parents

Info For

Teachers

Info For

Employers

Partners

Automotive Industry Partners

Volunteers

FAQ

Who is eligible?

What is the goal of the program?

Students will:

How much will it cost?

Where will the training be held?

How will the program work?

Pre-Application Process

Application Process

Interview Process

Family Orientation Session

NSCC training sessions

Evaluation

Work Placement

General Timeline

Click for more information about our partners:

Helpful Resources for Career Development

Contact

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