The AST Online management team would like to thank all apprentices, coaches and teachers for their participation in this project made possible through Apprenticeship Innovations Funds from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Please keep checking this website for information and developments about the next delivery of AST Online, Level 1 and the development of AST Levels 2 & 3.

The AST Online pilot project was designed to provide automotive service technician apprentices with the option of completing the theoretical component of the level one curriculum in an online learning environment instead of in the regular college classroom. Depending on the success of the project, the model could be adapted to a number of trades within the Apprenticeship Training program. The pilot was carried out during the 2004-2005 academic year with a consortium of colleges including Algonquin College (as the lead college), and Canadore, Centennial, Durham, Fanshawe and Sault Colleges. Although there were no students at Canadore or Sault College they participated in the evaluation activities.

This project was evaluated by collecting feedback from apprentices, coaches and teachers through surveys and telephone interviews. The success and satisfaction of the online pilot group was compared with that of a day release group from Fanshawe College.

The results indicate a slightly lower level of satisfaction with the online program but no substantial difference in success rates between the online pilot group and the control group. The lower satisfaction rate of the pilot group is understandable given the nature of the subject matter and the fact that many apprentices have not had experience in an online environment. The acceptance of this delivery method can be expected to increase over time and will generate a support network of successful candidates, just as has occurred in other online college courses over the past five years. The commitment of the workplace partner to this delivery method is also critical to its future success.

The retention rate for the pilot group was seventy-one percent and that of the control group was eighty-four percent, two months before the end of the program. Since the duration of the programs were different, a complete comparison could not be made.

Specific recommendations for improvements to the delivery of the program have been made related to student success, workplace support, teacher/tester issues and delivery procedures. It is the author’s opinion that the most significant finding is that of candidate selection for the online delivery option. Online study does not suit everyone, despite its many benefits, and the option of day release or block release should continue to be available to apprentices.

Overall, the AST Online Pilot project demonstrated an acceptable level of satisfaction and success. In light of its ability to allow apprentices to remain in the workplace, a cost-saving benefit to the employer and the apprentice, online delivery appears to be a favourable option for apprenticeship training.

AST Online Technical Team