“This is a modified apprenticeship program,” says George Leedeman of the Truck and Coach Technician – Freightliner program at Centennial College, which has a Freightliner Training Academy feel. “The employers go out of their way to ensure that students actually do some work during their apprenticeship, and are not just pushing the broom. They’ll actually be assisting or shadowing a technician when he’s doing important work on the trucks so they can really learn something. Also, the engines found on-campus [that students train with] are very popular and commonly found in the trade. So it’s up-to-date, it’s useful information and it’s leading edge.” Meanwhile, a student named Rafael adds, “It’s a learning process on bigger vehicles such as trailer trucks and also busses. The coolest thing that I’ve learned so far is taking an engine apart, and learning and understanding the breakdowns.”
These testimonials show how valuable the 36-week freightliner training at Centennial College is with its in-class training and four weeks of co-op work placement. To apply, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or GED or equivalent. Applicants must be employed by a freightliner dealership or a designated fleet employer or selected through an interview process. Please be advised, that candidates may apply directly to Centennial College. Successful applicants must obtain an employer and then register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements. Limited space is available in each program.
Once students are accepted, they will discover the freightliner training academy feel comes from highly-qualified and experienced faculty members who emphasize aspects of heavy vehicle technology that are embodied in the program. This includes the diagnosis and repair of the following course subjects: electronics and electrical, and computer management systems; steering, brakes, suspensions, frames and alignment; transmission(s) manual, automated, automatic; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; hydraulics; engines; fuel systems (gas and diesel); welding – MIG, ARC, gas, cutting, brazing; and tools, equipment safety concerns. These subjects are covered in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs housed within the province’s largest transportation centre, Ashtonbee campus. It should be noted that the training provided in the Truck Freightliner Training program is actually more in-depth and longer than traditional apprenticeships.
In addition to this in-school portion is four weeks of on-the-job training. As Mr. Leedeman mentioned, during this time, students apply what they have learned and gain new knowledge from their employers. They also have a chance to network and learn to deal with a range of clients. Students receive pay during the apprenticeship and may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class training. Once students have graduated from the Centennial College program, they will be assisted in obtaining employment with a Daimler truck dealer or major truck or bus fleet operator. However, they may also find jobs with truck, bus or motor home dealerships; manufacturers of trucks, buses, and motor homes; freight and transportation companies; as well as municipal or provincial highway transportation departments.
