Over the Counter – February 2002: Ontario Pledges $5 million for Skilled Trades, Automotive Training Nets $250,000

The Ontario government has announced $5 million to build and develop apprenticeship training programs in nearly three dozen fields, with automotive-related programs getting $250,000.

The Ontario government will make the contributions through the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund to improve classroom training for skilled workers, announced Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The Fund is investing $25 million over five years. Out of a total of $5 million, this year the Ontario government is awarding $1.7 million to projects to update classroom training standards for apprentices in 34 trades or occupations. Automotive programs at a number of learning institutions across the province were granted a total of just more than $250,000. The majority of these funds are to develop prior learning examinations. Prior learning exams are to be developed for alignment and brakes technicians, automotive service technicians, and transmission technicians. Curricula for automotive painters and autobody repairers are also to be developed.

The remainder of the funds, some $3.3 million, are to be distributed to develop flexible, alternative methods for delivering apprenticeship classroom training, including distance learning and other programs.

Canusa Moves Into Greater Toronto Area Market

Canusa Automotive Warehousing, Dorchester, Ont., has announced the formation of a partnership with Certified Castings Inc. in Mississauga, Ont.

The new warehouse venture, CDC Distribution Centres Toronto Inc., is located at 6290 Kestrel Ave., and will operate as an undercar parts feeder warehouse for jobbers and stocking muffler shops in the Greater Toronto Area.

Certified Castings Inc., a brake drum and rotor marketer, will share warehouse space with the new company and is headed up by Eric Goodman. Goodman will also serve as president of CDC Distribution Centres Toronto Inc.

Master Parts division of UIS has announced that it has an exclusive agreement to NASCAR licensing in the fuel pump aftermarket. NASCAR licensees must meet strict manufacturing and quality guidelines in order to be considered for licensing.

CORRECTION:

In the coverage of the AIA Aftermarket Forum in the December 2001 issue, installer panel participant Kevin Shaw’s business in Thornbury, Ont., should have been identified as O.K. Tire and Auto Service, rather than by its legal name as used at the forum.