Dean Cadieux
Chair Automotive Program / Chair Motorcycle and Marine Technician
Dean has been an instructor at Vancouver Island University since 2000 and is the Automotive department chair. He holds a BC Instructor’s Diploma and has been a Red Seal Automotive Service Technician since 1990. Dean is also Red Seal Certified as a Commercial Transport Technician, Motorcycle Technician, Automotive Parts/Warehousing person and holds a commercial vehicle inspector certification. He has worked as an automotive technician in various automotive dealerships and he keeps current with automotive technology and repair techniques by taking upgrading courses in areas such as hybrid vehicle technology, drivability diagnostics, air-conditioning repair and alignment techniques.
Phone: 250.740.6148, Local 6148
Email: Dean.Cadieux@viu.ca
Dale Baumel
Automotive Instructor
Dale has been a certified Red Seal Automotive Service Technician since 1990. He is a commercial vehicle inspector and is also certified in automotive pressure fuels. He has specialized in automatic transmissions and electrical diagnosis at a local dealership, as well as taking extensive factory training courses. He was an auto tech, welding, and metal work teacher at Nanaimo District Secondary School, and has instructed overseas in New Zealand.
Phone: 250.740.6663, Local 6663
Email: Dale.Baumel@viu.ca
Cory Porter
Automotive Instructor
Cory Porter has a diverse range of interests and experiences. Born and raised in Nanaimo, he has always been driven by a curiosity to explore and learn. He is a Red Seal Certified Automotive Service Technician and Provincial Vehicle Inspector, and attended Vancouver Island University all through his apprenticeship, where he developed a strong foundation in the automotive repair industry.
Throughout his professional journey, he has had the opportunity to work in various roles, allowing him to hone his skills in automotive service and repair, customer service, and shop/business management.
Phone: 250.740.6670, Local 6670
Email: Cory.Porter@viu.ca
Kevin Carlson
Automotive Instructor
Kevin has been a Red Seal Automotive Service Technician since 1995. He holds a Provincial Inspectors license, Electric Vehicle training as well as taken several specialized training classes while working at a local automotive dealership for 26 years. Kevin started with VIU in 2021 and enjoys sharing all of his knowledge and experiences gained over his career in the automotive trade.
During his time in industry, Kevin has worked with numerous apprentices and overseen their progress in achieving Red Seal certification as well as coaching youth in several sports over the years. His hobbies include music, hockey and gardening.
Phone: 250.740.6658, Local 6658
Email: Kevin.Carlson@viu.ca
Garry Spannier
Tool Room Attendant
Raised in the north country, I have a passion for automobiles and powersports. I moved to Burnaby in 1985 to attend PVI as a Motorcycle Mechanic, after a few years I continued my education in 1988 as a Marine Mechanic at BCIT. Working for several years in the marine sector, I accepted an offer from Finning as a Tool Calibration Technician. Factory trained at LS Starrett and Federal/Mahr, I served 14 years, the last 6 as Leadhand/Chargehand and Safety Chair. In 2018, I started with VIU Marine and Motorcycle trades. A couple of years later I joined the Automotive shop focusing on tooling, shop equipment and safety. My automotive history dates back to being a teacher's assistant in Auto 12, on to restoring muscle cars and now, keeping up with modern technology.
Phone: 250.740.6664, Local 6664
Email: Garry.Spannier@viu.ca
Jeff Morpak
Automotive Service Advisor
Jeff has his Red Seal in both Automotive Glass, and Residential/Commercial Glass. He successfully owned and operated a glass franchise in Nanaimo for 22 years. Jeff has been with the VIU Automotive department since January 2023 and enjoys working with customers and watching the students develop new skills for their careers. Jeff's personal interests have been building his custom truck and playing music with his band.
Phone: 250-740-6453, Local 6453
Email: Jeffrey.Morpak@viu.ca
Julie Postma, Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program
“The Automotive Service Technician program was a great experience. I am a girl so I was a little worried about learning this trade that is so often run by men. But I took the jump, and loved it. Both the teachers were great! They both really tried to help us learn it for ourselves in the way we learn best, which I find important. I would recommend this course to everyone! You learn so much in a fun and safe environment.”