Apprenticeship Program

Sentes Automotive’s Technician Apprenticeship Program

As a part of Sentes Automotive’s Technician Apprenticeship Program, you will learn how to examine, test and repair parts and systems on a variety of cars and trucks we have coming through our facilities. Students will learn how to diagnose and fix various system failures that may arise. Students will participate in a ‘work placement’ that will introduce students to real world workplace environment as well as provide perspective to industry standards and expectations.

What you need to know about our Apprenticeship Program:

  • Covers your Automotive Service Technician college tuition and we sponsor students for their entire school journey
  • Has a fully structured application process from 1st to 4th year
  • Has a structured wage increase from AST level 1 to AST level 4
  • Has been designed based on SkilledTradesBC regulations (formerly called Industry Training Authority – ITA)
  • Is customized/personalized for each student
  • Provides security of having successful job after graduation
  • You will have a very detailed manual about the Apprenticeship Program beginning on day 1
  • You will have the security of completing and achieving the number of hours between semesters- credits will be provided for every hour worked
  • Medical and Dental coverage
  • You will be entitled to have paid time off – vacation time
  • Support through the application process to receive up to $2,500 for purchase of new tools

 

Current apprentices’ testimonials:

Chris Marks

“My experience working for Lexus has been great! The team is an awesome group of people to work with. Working in a beautiful tile floor shop with built in tool boxes is sweet! I learn a lot of new stuff every day and get a ton of experience on all different makes and models of vehicles! Brand new luxury cars and trucks, older vehicles you name it! I’ve been working here for 3 years! Its cool to see the models and technology change over the years! I heard about the apprenticeship program when I was in high school looking at career paths. I found out Lexus was hiring after seeing an online ad for a technician role. After graduation I will still be working here and would recommend this program to all individuals! Getting paid to learn and how to work on and drive luxury vehicles is a great career if you ask me! There are many great opportunities here at Lexus of Kelowna/ Sentes Automotive!”

 

Haven Dufty

“I am a certified automotive technician with Kelowna Infiniti Nissan. I have been with this dealership for over 4 years now. I started off my journey to my red seal with the AST Foundations class at Okanagan College in Kelowna and found out about Kelowna Infiniti Nissan’s job opportunities when I was placed in this shop for my work term as a part of the Foundation program. After starting here full time the company sponsored me as an apprentice and has helped me through the journey to becoming a Red Seal Journeyman/woman. I’m excited to go back to school for my final year this winter and to come back to Nissan fully certified and continue my journey with this team. As a female starting out in the automotive industry it was very nerve-wracking as the industry is male dominant. Before starting I was nervous about how I could be treated differently or how others would view my role in the shop based on my gender, but when I started at Kelowna Infiniti Nissan I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone on this team has been extremely supporting and helping teaching me about the trade and I will forever be grateful to this team and the entire Sentes group for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream to work on vehicles.”