Faculty and Staff Profile
Patrick Balfry
Faculty/Departments:
Trades and Technical
Positions/Titles:
Faculty
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.