February 20, 2008
Media contact: Anne Russell
Cell: 604-798-3709
Office: 604-795-2826
anne.russell@ufv.ca
UFV and Chrysler Canada partner on advanced vehicle technology centre
Training centre gives BC automotive workers competitive advantage
Less than one year after being granted university status, the University of the Fraser Valley is making good on one of BC Premier Gordon Campbell’s key priorities for the institution…and for the province.
In April 2008, Campbell singled out UFV as being the future location for an advanced vehicle technology centre. This month, UFV is formally announcing a partnership with Chrysler Canada that has the university’s Trades & Technology Centre in Chilliwack serving as the major centre for the auto manufacturer’s advanced training in BC. The partnership involves provision of training space as well as tools, equipment, and training curricula valued at over $200,000.
“BC has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020,” says Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Climate Action and Chilliwack-Kent MLA Barry Penner. “Adopting and supporting new, cleaner modes of transportation is a key part of this goal, and UFV is helping us achieve that by combining research and trades education.”
“Trades training is a vital part of our economy, and UFV’s expanding opportunities for students in the automotive sector compliment government’s own commitment to skilled trades,” says Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les. “In fact, since just 2004, we’ve seen the number of registered apprentices in trades more than double.”
The commitment by Chrysler Canada was the catalyst for UFV to activate the space previously allotted for an advanced vehicle technology centre. Chrysler Canada has equipped the facility with everything needed to operate their training centre and also makes use of the existing automotive shops. Chrysler Canada training experts deliver instruction in the space and share learning materials with UFV instructors and students, keeping them abreast of the latest developments in technology and fuel alternatives.
“Chrysler Canada is committed to training our dealership technicians to keep them up-to-date with technology advances — including hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles,” says John Bolton, National Manager — Service Training & Equipment Programs, Chrysler Canada. “We were attracted to UFV by its recent move to university status, the easily accessible location of its Trades & Technology Centre in Chilliwack, and the willingness of the faculty, staff, and students to welcome us into their learning environment. We have been working together for several months now and have nothing but praise for our new partners at UFV.”
“UFV was granted full university status last year as part of government’s commitment to increasing university access for students,” noted Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Murray Coell. “Clearly, the university has seized on their expanded potential, building new partnerships with business and their community.”
“This partnership is a classic win-win situation,” says Harv McCullough, Dean of Trades & Technology at UFV. “Together with Chrysler Canada, we are developing a centre of excellence in auto service training, exposing BC students to leading-edge technologies, and creating ongoing professional development for our instructors. It’s also very appealing to prospective students considering our automotive programs.”
Mitch Lalonde, a mechanic from Northland Dodge in Prince George, was one of the first trainees at the centre and spent his time upgrading to stay competitive in his field. “As a technician, I’m always trying to keep up with changes, especially in fuel systems,” he said. “When you’re dealing with people’s vehicles, they turn to you when they need help. You really have to stay on top of the technology.”
“In tough economic times, people are either upgrading to more efficient vehicles or taking better care of the vehicles they have,” verifies Rolf Arnold, Director of Trades & Technology at UFV. “They want these vehicles to run cleanly and efficiently, so their local technicians must be familiar with the technology in order to get the business.”
At any one time, there are up to 10 new Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge vehicles on the UFV site, including vehicles that have not yet been introduced in Canada. UFV has access to vehicles such as the legendary Dodge Challenger, the award-winning Dodge Ram pickup, and a state-of-the-art hybrid-equipped model. Students are able to explore a variety of engines, including the iconic Dodge Viper V10, and have access to extensive learning materials, tools and equipment from Chrysler Canada.
“Our entry-level and apprentice automotive students are able to interact with the Chrysler instructors and dealership technicians who visit and use the equipment and vehicles as part of their studies with UFV,” adds McCullough. “They would not have this opportunity anywhere else and it’s keeping them ahead of the technology curve as they get ready to enter or return to industry. Talk about getting a competitive advantage!”
McCullough anticipates that this partnership will also encourage other major businesses to consider UFV for possible investments and partnerships. The Trades & Technology Centre is well known throughout the local business community and has already established close ties with many local vendors.
The local economy also benefits from the UFV/Chrysler Canada partnership. Out-of-town Chrysler Canada instructors and technicians frequent area businesses such as hotels and restaurants as they help prepare students for a successful future in the automotive industry.
UFV currently offers an entry-level automotive service technician certificate, an automotive apprenticeship training program, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in trades management. A new certificate program in automotive collision repair and refinishing will be launched this coming September. Learn more at
www.ufv.ca/trades .
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