Faculty Profile - Patrick Balfry

Patrick brings over forty years of experience in the automotive repair industry to support his teaching career at North Island College. His apprenticeship was completed in Burnaby at a machine shop / truck repair shop before moving up north. He began his employment working  at an import shop in Prince George. After four years there, he finetuned his knowledge and skills around import vehicles in Kamloops. In 1986 he moved back to Port Alberni and took up residence as one of the most respected mechanics at the local GM dealer where he won national troubleshooting contests, earning himself the title of Grand Master four times over.

During his 22 years at the GM dealership, he discovered his love of teaching when he took on part-time contracts for Vancouver Island University, Snap-On Tools and North Island College.

Since beginning with the college, he has mentored many aspiring mechanics with his patient but disciplined approach to the fine art of automotive mechanics. He utilizes a combination of demonstration and hands-on learning to achieve the best results possible with his students, and under his guidance, many go on to successful careers in the automotive repair industry.