Installers of add-on electrical and electronic systems

An on-line test to pinpoint training needs

For almost two years, the Comité paritaire de l'automobile de Montréal (CPA-Montréal) and the Comité sectoriel de main-d'œuvre des services automobiles have been working closely with industrial partners on the development of a training program designed for installers of add-on electrical and electronic systems. A number of industrial partners have signed on, for instance the Association des installateurs d'accessoires de véhicules as well as multi-location businesses, of which Fortin Auto Radio, Sherlock, Belron Canada and the The Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation Inc.

In this novel training program, theory is learned through computer training, whereas practical exercises are done in a workshop.

There are about 20 sessions grouped in six training modules (see box below).

Furthermore, since technology never stops progressing, the partners have also decided to make use of advantages offered by the Internet to help businesses and installers better identify their training needs.

Thus, Montreal-area installers will be invited to register for a skills-recognition pre-test. It is offered on-line (via the Internet) with the collaboration of Humeng International, a firm specialising in multimedia training .

Following this test, each candidate will see on-line:

1. a personalised profile summarising skills currently mastered,
2. a recommendation, if applicable, to register for training on modules that not as sufficiently mastered.

This test is optional and is offered at the very reasonable charge of $50 per candidate, which fee covers on-line access, the test which takes about 90 minutes and a personalised written assessment, including any training recommendations.

Information regarding course schedules, training locations and registration fees will be forwarded later to candidates who would benefit from additional training.

In tandem with this training offering, CPA Montréal has developed a qualification exam tailor-made for installers to help them secure a trades card attesting to their competence. This exam will be made available soon to Montreal-area installers who have accumulated a given number of hours as per the decrees applicable to them. Those who pass this exam will become journeymen qualified to install add-on systems.

In the case of businesses offering to install add-on electrical and electronic systems, this Internet pre-test is an excellent opportunity to take stock of their team of installers’ skills and to suggest they take courses that may be required.

These measures taken by CPA Montréal and its partners are focussed above all on the quality of services offered to Quebec motorists. Industry people in this business sector have already shown that by and large they share this objective.

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