Trades & Applied Technology Programs

Automotive Service Technician

• 10-Month Foundation Certificate Program (30 credits)
• Offered at the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission
• Apprenticeship Registration: call 1–888–920–2221 local 6112

The Program

The Vancouver Island University Automotive Department provides both foundation and apprenticeship training. Foundation training is designed to prepare students for a career in the automotive repair trade. Graduates of this program may find work as apprentice automotive technicians, or as automotive parts persons/service writers. Job opportunities exist on Vancouver Island, and throughout BC and Canada. Upon receiving the Interprovincial Certificate, graduates are eligible to work anywhere in Canada.

Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program

The Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program is a full–time comprehensive program taught through daily lectures, seminars and demonstrations of current servicing techniques, as well as extensive practical training in a functioning automotive shop setting. The course curriculum reflects today's technology and is relevant to the needs of industry. The instructors are all highly trained Journeyperson Automotive Technicians with at least ten years' trade experience.

This program is suited to individuals with all levels of mechanical experience. Upon successful completion of all the program courses, students receive an Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program certificate and an Essential Skills for the Workplace – Automotive Service Technician certificate. Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.

ITA Automotive Apprenticeship Information

The apprentice level training provides provincially certified apprenticeship training for registered Automotive apprentices in Level 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Automotive Apprenticeship program consists of 4 years on–the–job experience combined with in–school technical training in order to become eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson certification.

For more information on apprenticeship training, please visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA) website at www.itabc.ca, contact the ITA at 1-866-660-6011, or call Tanya Reiber at Vancouver Island University toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6112 or Sandy Elvy for Powell River Campus at 604-485-2878 or toll-free at 1-877-888-8890. For more information and schedules visit VIU's Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeship page.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
• Mature students without Grade 12 will be required to complete an assessment test.
• Minimum 17 years of age.
• Valid B.C. driver’s license.
• See also Trades general admission requirements.

Notes on Admission

• Applicants should not be allergic to solvents and/or lubricants.
• Those with good reasoning, basic science, mathematical, study skills, and a strong mechanical aptitude will experience the most success.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 to March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List for the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses.

Note: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada may assist students in this program; contact your local Employment Centre regarding eligibility for sponsorship.

Program Outline

All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.

Updated January 22, 2013