Who We Are and What We Do

Industry Training Organization Model*

The Industry Training Authority's mandate is to develop an "industry-led" training system. To facilitate industry leadership, the ITA supports the formation of Industry Training Organizations (ITOs). ITOs are industry-based bodies that take lead responsibility for industry training within a recognized industry sector. ITOs are initiated and supported by industry and approved by the ITA.

Principles of the ITO Model:

• Industry is best positioned and qualified to determine its own training needs and to coordinate the system.
• Substantial industry commitment and participation is critical to the success of the ITO model.
• Autonomy of ITOs is required to produce results and this autonomy must be balanced with the ITA's overall accountability to government for the industry training system.
• An outcome/performance-based model with a high level of accountability and transparency offers the greatest flexibility to ITOs to achieve their objectives.
• ITO activities must not be inconsistent with the mandate and strategic direction of the ITA, but may extend beyond the objectives of the ITA.
• ITA and ITOs must strive to make the most effective use of public moneys.

*excerpt from Industry Training Authority's ITO Policy ITO6001 V-30.Nov.06

Automotive Training Standards Organization –
The Industry Training Organization of the Automotive Industry

Vision

That the British Columbia automotive industry is assured of the training required to provide the most competent and productive workforce in Canada.

Mission

To support the British Columbia automotive industry with the training and credentialing that effectively matches the supply of appropriately skilled workers with industry needs.

AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING STANDARDS ORGANIZATION FACT SHEET

Automotive Apprenticeship Programs

The Automotive Training Standards Organization has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that training materials and curriculum match the needs of today's workers and employers. This is accomplished through the review, revision and up-grading of existing and the creation of new programs.

Some of the programs under review (or that have been recently completed) include:

• Collision trades (repair and refinish)
• Automotive Service Technician
• Parts Person
• Logistics and Distribution
• Automotive Glass Technician
• Auto Trim and Upholstery

The review and creation process is conducted in consultation with industry representatives through forums and individual contacts.

Secondary Schools

The Automotive Training Standards Organization supports automotive programs at secondary schools through: 

• ACE-IT & SSA
• working with technical trades teachers and counsellors to ensure high school students are aware of all the career opportunities available in the automotive industry

Promotion of Automotive Industry Trades

The Automotive Training Standards Organization promotes automotive trades through participation in conferences, skills competition, and maintaining a presence at trade and career fairs.

As well, Automotive Training Standards Organization provides speakers at forums and association meetings to promote automotive trades training, and maintains a presence in the industry through regular submission of articles and updates in industry, and related publications.

Alternative Training Models for Automotive Apprenticeship Training

The Automotive Training Standards Organization works with training institutions to support the development of alternative models for training.