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Overview

This is an Foundation Trades Training Program. It may be referred to as a Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Full time program - 4 days per week.

This 10 month program covers all aspects of Automotive/Mechanical Repair, including:

  • shop safety
  • tool and equipment use
  • vehicle maintenance servicing
  • vehicle braking systems
  • suspension steering systems
  • automotive electrical systems
  • engine mechanical systems
  • EFI, engine electronic controls
  • drive-train systems
  • welding
  • job finding skills

This is a technically intense, job orientated program for people who want to gain an apprenticeship as an Automotive Technician, or gain employment as a Parts Person or a Service Advisor in an Automotive Repair facility. It is not a general interest course for people wanting to learn how to maintain their own vehicles.

A mandatory Employment Skills Module prepares students for the workforce and all students participate in three weeks of work experience at a local automotive business.

Graduates of the program may receive credit for the technical portion of the first year of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Program. To become a journeyperson, graduates would find a position as an automotive apprentice and then return to school for 6or 7 weeks per year until completion of their 4th year.

Costs

Tuition: $378.36 per month

Student Activity fee: $15.13 per month.

VIU Students' Union fee: $16.07 per month.

Health and Dental Plan fee: $275 per year; this fee is only in effect for trades or vocational students in programs that are eight (8) months or longer at the Nanaimo Campus.

 

You will be required to provide the following:

Text books: approx cost $350

  • "Automotive Technology" by Ejavec Canadian version classroom text book.
  • Classroom Notes - Available at VIU bookstore
  • Selected AST Provincial Learning Guides

CSA approved safety shoes, $60 - $100

CSA approved safety glasses, $6 - $15

Fender cover, Seat Cover

(All fees are subject to change without prior notice.)

How do I Apply?

Applicants to the program must be over 17 years of age and have graduated from High School with a Dogwood Certificate.

Mature applicants (over 19) may apply for admission without highschool graduation. A prior learning assessment interview may be required.

All applicants must write a test that evaluates basic math, English comprehension, and mechanical aptitude skills.

All applicants must satisfy the Admissions process. See Admissions

 

Outcomes

A Vancouver Island University Certificate will be awarded to each graduate.

Ability to challenge the Level 1 AST Apprentice Provincial exam.

Graduates will have gained knowledge and practical experience that may enable them to receive an apprenticeship with an automotive business.

This program provides the graduate with entry level training for Parts Person and Service Advisor positions.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for credit of the technical portion for the 1st year of the apprenticeship program.

Career Options

Job opportunities as an Apprentice Technician are readily available in the local area and throughout British Columbia and Canada

Graduates from this program have also found employment as Parts Persons and as Service Advisors in automotive businesses.

After completion of the apprenticeship program and upon receiving the inter-provincial Certificate, you could find work anywhere in Canada.

Currently, there are shortages of skilled workers such as automotive technicians in Canada, and this trend is predicted to continue.