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Automotive Program Spotlight Series
Sharing stories of strategic partnerships to support the next generation of auto technicians and workers
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School Partner: Centennial College | Toronto,Ontario
In June, leaders from Lithia & Driveway (LAD) and Pfaff Automotive Partners in Toronto, Ontario presented Centennial College with a $27,500 donation to support scholarships in selected automotive programs. The gift celebrates a longstanding partnership—mostly through student apprenticeships—that has resulted in over 90% of the service technicians at Pfaff being Centennial graduates.
Among the many Centennial alumni working at Pfaff is Robert Morrison, Fixed Operations Manager at the Home Office in Vaughan. “I know firsthand how deeply committed the college is in preparing students for successful auto careers, and we’re very proud to contribute to the college’s training and scholarship programs in such an impactful way.”
Supporting Canada’s Auto Licensing Programs
The LAD donation will help support students who are enrolled in Canada’s Automotive Service Technician Apprentice Programs, where the federal government oversees all auto-technician licensing. The programs take approximately four years to complete and combine roughly 7,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with over 700 hours of in-school instruction.
When students finish their on-site apprenticeships and in-school training, they must pass the final interprovincial exam, which awards them the Red Seal qualification, allowing them certified practice across the country.
APPRENTICESHIP SPONSORS
To support technician certification, Canadian dealerships and auto shops cosponsor apprenticeships—hiring, training, and mentoring students over the course of their program. Because of Centennial’s close proximity to Pfaff locations, the stores (plus an auto body shop) work with Centennial as apprenticeship sponsors.
Creating an Engaged Auto-Tech Community
While the stores are part of the apprenticeship program, Pfaff is also highly visible on campus—attending major events on campus and connecting with college administrators, students, and instructors:
JILL OF ALL TRADES (JOAT) PROGRAM
JOAT, a national government program, focuses on exposing high school female students to the trades, including computer science, carpentry, and automotive.
All colleges promote this program, and when Centennial has its annual JOAT event, Pfaff is front and center. Pfaff sponsors the lunch for all the students and hosts a booth showcasing Pfaff’s stores. Recruiters and employees are on hand to answer student questions.
Irianna Palomares, Assistant Service Manager at BMW/MINI Markham, participated in a recent JOAT event by connecting with students and explaining the many career paths available at Pfaff dealerships. “As an organization that regularly hires Centennial graduates, it was especially rewarding to meet students who may one day become a part of our industry.”
STUDENT AWARD NIGHT
Morrison and others attend Centennial’s student award ceremony to present a special $5,000 scholarship to a deserving auto technician student. Since 2018, Pfaff has provided over $43,500 in monetary support to Centennial automotive scholarships. This year's $27,500 gift from LAD builds on that longstanding commitment.
Leigh Cudia, Senior Development Officer, notes, "For some students, this kind of support can be the difference between having to put their education on hold and being able to continue toward their credential and the career they’re working so hard to achieve."
SHARED FACILITIES
Not only do Centennial student-apprentices work at Pfaff stores in pursuit of their licenses, but occasionally, the partnership involves Pfaff bringing its employees to a large hanger on the college campus to hold their own learning events, especially on electric vehicles. Centennial has used Pfaff stores and auto shops as settings in recent marketing campaigns, showcasing them as quality locations.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
Having so many Centennial graduates work at Pfaff locations creates a strong connection with the college, highlighting the important role alumni can play in creating opportunities for the next generation of automotive professionals.
“We are incredibly grateful to LAD and Pfaff Automotive for their commitment to our students, and to the future of the automotive industry," said Paulo Santos, Acting Dean of the college’s School of Transportation. “This generous donation will help talented students access the education and training they need.”
If your store or technical school is interested in developing a similar partnership, reach out to Brittany Osterhout, Community Relations Manager at BrittanyOsterhout@lithia.com.
