Students from Durham College’s (DC) Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician) program participated in a live panel interview at the 2018 Canadian International Autoshow on February 23.

Sponsored by the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association’s Career Start education program, the interview was part of the Live Stage series at the show, featuring new, innovative and unique automotive programs at post-secondary institutions.

DC’s panel participants included first-year students Dan Howell and Marco Grande and second-year students Alorah Abell, Keeshan Sharma and Cass Varty.

The students’ interview highlighted DC’s unique Kit Car Build, a comprehensive learning experience exclusive to DC automotive students. Beginning in their first year, students build one of two Factory Five Racing kit cars — a 33 Hot Rod or MK4 Shelby Roadster — throughout their program, completing the vehicle prior to graduation. The project puts emphasis on mechanical hands-on training, critical thinking and essential employability skills.

DC’s two-year automotive program is designed to give graduates technical skills, theoretical knowledge and a solid understanding of business practices to confidently enter their careers at an advanced level. The program focuses on a diploma-to-apprenticeship path, giving qualified graduates the opportunity to register as a level-three apprentice.