Apprenticeships

To stay with the welding example, what the apprentice really need’s, is a good understanding of the different welding options available today. What can- and what can not be welded. This knowledge is at least as important as the practical ability to weld. If the wrong welding method is selected, a vehicle could, in a subsequent accident, fail with enormous consequences.

To gain this vital knowledge, an apprentice does not have to go to college. It could be learned from books, but written text alone is not sufficient. 

Based on our studies and research into learning, the ideal environment for an apprentice is a real workshop where real work is performed. In addition, self paced study time and regular, short theory lessons where the fundamentals, underpinning knowledge and the reasons why, are explored and explained, give the best learning results.

We coordinate our training with the learning in the workplace, so the apprentice learns faster. Even better results can be achieved if the apprentice is teamed up with a mentor and we are happy to assist to get the best result for you and your apprentice. 

We see our role as coach and aim to further each individual to his/her best potential. 

The training is a combination of:
• Practical, every day work on the floor.
• Self paced learning, in the work place or at home.
• One on one reviewing of assigned work via phone or internet.
• One on one gap training via phone or internet.
• Live online training sessions (CrashChat) in groups via the internet.

For the self paced learning we use the latest training resources “Auto Body Repair Technology” by Paul Uhrina and James E. Duffy. Students are assigned work that is to be completed by due dates.

A very important part of our training is the “reviewing of the assigned work” to identify knowledge gaps.

“Gap training” addresses only the individual learning needs. This form of education is very time efficient. Apprentices are very responsive to this kind of training because it is tailored for them only and learning times can be reduced considerably.

CrashChat “Live online training sessions” are very popular with the apprentices because of the visual content and the ability to talk in real time with the trainer and peers. In addition, it appears to be more suited for students with low attention and reading skills.
Experience has shown that most students learn more and faster in a given time with this system.
Session times are between 1 and 2 hours and can be accessed from any computer with internet access. 
There is one or two sessions per quarter (3 months) depending on the year level of the apprentice.
The advantage for employers is the minimal interruption, the apprentice can access these sessions from a work computer and does not have to leave the workshop at all.

It is the combination of all these components, the self paced learning, the individual reviewing of the assigned work, the gap training and CrashChat that enhance a deeper learning and ultimately make a better and more informed tradesperson.