VCC training puts students in rural areas on a 'collision course' to early
career

VANCOUVER , Jan. 25 /CNW/ - High school students in the Okanagan and Victoria can now take a new flexible learning program from VCC in automotive collision repair online, allowing them to receive training closer to home and get a head start on their careers.

VCC's entry-level program is open to Grade 11 and 12 students and begins in February. Students will receive online instruction over eight months and local automotive collision shops will provide the hands-on practical training - offered through the ACE IT program, a partnership of VCC, Industry Training Authority and local schools.

Expanding the flexible learning program to rural areas gives students the opportunity to begin their instruction earlier and train for a career not available in their community. It also makes it easier on the student financially than having to come to Vancouver , while filling an industry demand for skilled trades people.

"This is very exciting because we are expanding classes and building opportunities for students," says Rory Morrison , VCC's automotive collision department head. "This a perfect time to train because as the demand for skilled professionals grows, our students will be ready."

VCC has offered and developed online instruction for automotive collision repair for apprentices for the past four years - but this new entry-level program could be the start of an approach that could be carried through the rest of the province in the future.

"We are thrilled to offer students in rural areas the benefit of VCC's expert instructors," says Sandra Bailey , dean for VCC's Centre for Transportation Trades. "This is just another example of how VCC offers innovative training to help students, while meeting the needs of industry demands."

For further information: Media can contact: Karen Wilson, Communications Officer, Tel: [phone]; Rory Morrison, Department Head, Automotive Collision Repair, Tel: [phone]