About Us

Auto Aide is a Company based in Barrie, Ontario Canada. The Company develops and delivers Technical Training courses for the Automotive Aftermarket and is owned by Mark and Dianne Lemay.

Auto Aide was formed in 2001, all the training that we deliver is developed by Mark based on new developments in the Automotive Industry and identified Common Problem areas. 

Mark is a Licensed Technician, who completed his apprenticeship in 1985, attending Centennial College and achieving his Interprovincial designation. He spent the next 15 years working in a variety of Automotive settings ranging from small family shops to large regional dealerships. During this time he began specializing in Diagnosing Electrical and Computer Faults. Mark also worked in the Management side of the business as a Service writer, Shop Foreman and Service Manager. 

Since 1990, Mark has worked as an Automotive Trainer. He has delivered programs for various clients including Ministry of Skills Development, Snap On Tools and Carquest.

Auto Aide is the business that developed out of Mark's vision for a company that would deliver real-life, practical solutions for Non-Dealership Automotive Shops providing training for their staff and solving problem car diagnostics. In addition to the training we provide to more than 20 training groups in Ontario, Auto Aide operates a diagnostic service in the Barrie Area, troubleshooting problem vehicles for Local garages. Mark uses many case studies from his diagnostic business to highlight current automotive systems with the focus on operation and diagnosis. 

Instructors

Jamie Holmes

Jamie Holmes entered the automotive trade in 1979, attended Centennial College and obtained his Certificate of qualification with Inter-Provincial status in 1984. While working for independent shops he spent most of his time as an electrical and driveability tech. His background in Amateur Radio gave him a thorough understanding of electronics that he has applied in his work. In 1986 he opened his own general repair shop that also specialized in Electrical, High Tech and Drivability. His shop did sublet work for shops in his area as well as local dealerships from time to time.

Jamie now works as the Vice President and owner of an Ontario franchise that has 38 locations across Southern Ontario, where as part of his duties he provides technical assistance to his franchisee’s

 

Al Playter

Al Playter graduated from Centennial College in 1978 and returned to teach in 1991. He holds Interprovincial licenses for 310S and 310T as well as certificates from various training courses, from Cummins Diesel Electrical to automotive mobile sound, security and electronic accessories. Al has served on numerous committees that have produced not only three levels of curricula for Ontario Automotive Apprentices but also test bank questions for the Ministry of Education. He also holds a Teacher of Adults Certificate and works with the Toronto Automotive Show in their student skills competitions as well as in the Centennial College Skills Competition. Playter has also written modules for the Centennial College Press and is the Co Author of the Automotive Technology workbook that Apprentices use for their studies while in the Apprenticeship program. Playter is a welcome addition to the Auto Aide Team. 

 

Mark Lemay

Mark Lemay:

  Mark is the Owner and Primary Instructor for Auto Aide Technical Training. 

  Mark is a Licensed Technician, who completed his apprenticeship in 1985, attending Centennial College and achieving his Interprovincial designation.  He spent the next 15 years working in a variety of automotive settings ranging from small family shops to large regional dealerships. During this time he began specializing in Diagnosing Electrical and Computer Faults.  Mark also worked in the Management side of the business as a Service writer, Shop Foreman and Service Manager. 

  Since 1990, Mark has also worked as an Automotive Trainer.  He has delivered programs for various clients including Ministry of Skills Development, Snap On Tools and Carquest.

  Mark also writes articles for leading industry publications such as CASP and Car Care Business