Thanks to a generous donation from Toyota Canada Inc. and Lexus of Lakeridge, students in the second year of Durham College’s (DC) Motive Power Technician – Service and Management program and students in the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program will have the opportunity to develop in-demand skills, while also gaining hands-on experience by working with a Lexus CT 200h, DC’s first hybrid-electric vehicle. 

As part of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ (MTCU) guidelines, students in the automotive programs participate in theory-based learning about hybrid vehicles through lectures and videos within their first year. With the donation of the Lexus CT 200h, students will be able to take the theory they’ve learned and apply it directly by working on the hybrid vehicle in the later years of their program/apprenticeship. 

“As part of their curriculum, students are required to explain various functions and systems associated with hybrid vehicles,” said Pam Stoneham, associate dean of the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (START). “The donation of the Lexus CT 200h is going to give our students a huge advantage, significantly enhancing their learning experience and giving them the hands-on experience they need to succeed.” 

For the Motive Power Technician – Service and Management students there will be a focus on the safety protocol and hazards associated with servicing hybrid vehicles. Automotive Service Technician Level 2 and 3 apprentices will also learn about safety protocol and hazards, while taking a more in-depth look into the functions and operations of the hybrid vehicle. 

For more information on DC’s programs or apprenticeships, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca.