Mazda Canada donates new minivan to help train Camosun's Automotive students

Media Release
Release Date: April 17, 2014

George Benda, Service Training Instructor for Mazda Canada, officially handed over the keys of a 2013 Mazda 5 Minivan to Camosun's Chair of Mechanical and Metal Trades Ray Fischer as a contribution to the college's Automotive Service Technician program, April 8.

The sporty minivan has front-wheel drive and a 2.5 litre, inline 4 cylinder engine. The Mazda 5's exterior was slightly damaged in transport, but the engine and transmission are in pristine condition. The vehicle retails at approx. $25,000 brand new.

"We thank Mazda Canada for this generous donation," says Fischer. "Having newer vehicles on site really helps our students to practice their new skills with the knowledge that they can work on the latest in automotive technology. This gives them marketable, practical skills and confidence to be successful out in the industry."

Forty-six students are currently taking Camosun's Automotive Service Technician program: 16 second-year apprentices and 30 Foundation-level students. The 30-week long Foundation program gives students the skills to become automotive service technician apprentices. It covers the tools, equipment and techniques required to repair automotive systems like brakes, exhaust, front-ends and more. It also provides students with accreditation toward their first-year of apprenticeship training.

"We can't run our trades programs without the generosity and support of industry partners like Mazda Canada," says Fischer. "Our program budgets are extremely limited and there is a high cost to acquiring these vehicles for training purposes. Close partnerships and wonderful donations like these help us provide Camosun students with the best and most up-to-date training in the industry."

The Camosun College Foundation is currently raising funds and equipment for all of Camosun's Trades Training programs.

Contact

Camosun College Foundation
foundation@camosun.ca
250-370-4233