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 the Industry Training Authority (ITA) guidelines
  • 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 third-year apprentice with Kelowna Infiniti Nissan. I have been with this dealership for just over three 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.”

 

Dade Desnoyers

“I have been working for Sentes Automotive since September 20th 2021. I heard about the apprenticeship program through the college before I was sent here for my 2 week work term. So far my experience has been wonderful and the team here are all so friendly and make the days just fly by. What makes Sentes unique is how everyone in the building treats each other like one big family. I will 10/10 be coming back after my next years in college and would recommend many people to come work here and join the family.”