Released on May 19, 2017
Students Train for Automotive Service and Auto Body Technician Careers by Fixing Total Loss VehiclesIt all started with a Pontiac Sunfire in 2002. Since then, nearly 250 vehicles have been repaired by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Automotive Service and Auto Body Technician certificate students.
Today, a long-running but little-known partnership between Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Salvage and Saskatchewan Polytechnic was celebrated at Saskatoon campus.
For 15 years, SGI has supplied vehicles to Automotive Service Technician and Auto Body Technician certificate programs.
“This program is a win-win; students get hands-on experience fixing damaged vehicles that could otherwise end up in salvage or scrap yards, and SGI customers benefit by reduced costs,” Saskatoon Westview MLA David Buckingham said on behalf of Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave.
The total-loss vehicles -- ones that would cost more to repair in a commercial shop than the vehicle is worth -- are repaired by students in Sask Polytech’s automotive shops at Saskatoon and Regina campuses. SGI also supplies parts used in the repairs, mostly from salvage. Fixed vehicles are sold or are used by SGI employees who need to travel in the course of their work, which helps keep costs low for customers.
All repaired vehicles receive a body integrity inspection and a second stage mechanical inspection before they are allowed back on the road.
By using total-loss vehicles from SGI, students get to work on current model vehicles that the industry repairs on a daily basis. Students enter the workforce with relevant training, which benefits them and their future employers. SGI supplies 30 to 40 vehicles per year to Sask Polytech. Damaged vehicles used in the program are matched to the students’ level of training.
“The SGI and Saskatchewan Polytechnic partnership is the first of its kind in Canada,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “We are pioneers in this area of collaboration and training. The hands-on learning our students receive through working on total-loss cars from SGI is invaluable, and will help to increase their job-readiness upon graduating. Other post-secondary institutions have approached us for support to create similar programs in their provinces.”
About SGI
SGI is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of nearly 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Customers can now do some transactions online. Look for the MySGI link under Online Services on your motor licence issuer's website or SGI's website.
About Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 28,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: tmcmurchy@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-6207
Brianna Bergeron
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-659-3866
Email: brianna.bergeron@saskpolytech.ca
Cell: 306-250-3978