Program Length
- 10 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Become a certified automotive technician
You like to know how things work, and you want variety in your career. As an automotive technician you can expect a satisfying career with a diverse and challenging work week. The automotive industry is one of the fastest changing industries, with new technologies introduced all the time.
This program is more than a series of auto mechanic courses. With the automotive foundation certificate, you get up-to-date training that ensures you're ready to meet the demands of the job the minute you graduate.
Why choose VIU for auto mechanic training?
At VIU, you get more hands-on training than any other automotive service technician program in BC. Six hours of your eight-hour school day will be spent in the workshop. You learn valuable skills like vehicle inspection and on-the-job problem solving.
Sign up to learn more
Live shop work
Gain hands-on experience with real customer vehicles, learning to diagnose and repair.
Industry work experience
Program includes a two-week work placement that can lead to full-time employment
Industry networking
Our strong ties to local businesses gives you networking and employment opportunities.
Automotive career options
Automotive is one of the fastest growing sectors in BC. Anyone with automotive skills will be in high demand. In addition to working as an automotive technician, you can do many other jobs in an auto service shop including:
- automotive technician
- service advisor
- parts person
- autobody and collision repair Specialist
- self-employed technician
As you work through your apprentice levels, you'll learn hybrid and electric vehicle repair, further increasing the demand for your skills. Once you have a Red Seal endorsement you can be your own boss.
About the Automotive Foundation program
The Automotive Service Technician Foundation Training program at VIU offers a blend of classroom learning and extensive hands-on training. In this full-time program, your courses give you two hours a day in class and six hours in the shop working on customer vehicles. You train using current industry technology and equipment, so you are prepared for modern automotive challenges.
You also develop soft skills, like communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. You learn how to follow safe work practices and comply with WorkSafe BC standards. The program also includes a two-week work experience placement, which can lead to employment opportunities.
The foundation program covers the technical portion of the first year of an automotive apprenticeship.
Courses and Concentrations
| Automotive Service Technician |
|---|
| Essential Skills |
| AUTO 101T - (Auto Shop Safety) |
| AUTO 109T - (Welding) |
| AUTO 105T - (Electrical Systems and Components) |
| AUTO 106T - (Steering, Suspension, and Braking) |
| AUTO 110T - (Engines) |
| AUTO 104T - (Driveline Systems) |
| AUTO 102T - (Tools, Equipment, and Documentation) |
| AUTO 103T - (Communication and Mentoring) |
| AUTO 107T - (Restraint Systems and Body Components) |
| AUTO 108T - (Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) |
| ESFA 100T - (Personal Management Skills) |
| ESFA 105T - (Automotive Service Technician Math) |
| ESFA 110T - (Business Operations) |
| ESFA 115T - (The Emerging Workplace) |
| ESFA 120T - (Employment Strategies) |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
Admission Information
- 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
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - Nanaimo Campus | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (10 months x $509.18 per month) | 5,091.80 |
| Supply fee | 182.86 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $38.87 per month) | 388.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books, CSA approved steel-toed boots, CSA approved safety glasses, seat/fender covers, and uniform (approximate costs) | 1,000.00 |
| Total | 7,376.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Automotive Service Technician program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.2878 ext. 8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
No testing required if you have proof of grade 12 graduation. Learn more about the Powell River Automotive Technician program.
|
|||
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Automotive Service Technician program offers 2 classes each September.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jenna Milne Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Dean Cadieux Email: Dean.Cadieux@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Applicants will be added to the waitlist once all requested documents are received. |
|||
After the foundation program
Automotive apprenticeship training
We offer the technical apprentice training for Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each level is seven weeks of classroom and workshop training. At each level, you can take the interprovincial exam once you have the technical training and the on-the-job work experience hours.
Red Seal
After you've completed four years of your apprenticeship, you can write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson certification.
With experience and a Red Seal certification, you could also transition to working in a machine shop, machining engine components or start your own business.
Knowledgeable and experienced instructors
"I came to Nanaimo and to Vancouver Island University originally to advance my career. I have ended up finding a home in Nanaimo and a place to hone my craft. The automotive facility allows you to grow and excel at your own pace with the help of knowledgeable and experienced instructors." - Keith Green, former VIU student
Try an automotive class
Wondering what it’s really like to be in a VIU classroom? Shadow an automotive class. You'll meet instructors and current students, and you can get a feel for the program before you apply.
Email the program chair to sign up for a class shadow.
Frequently asked questions
This is a full time technically intense program for people who want to pursue an automotive career. It is not a general interest course for people wanting to learn how to maintain their own vehicles.
We will loan you a starter toolbox to use for the duration of the program. You are responsible for it and must replace or pay for missing or damaged tools. However, you may bring their own tools. Coveralls are also supplied
To succeed in this program you should have a strong desire to work on vehicles and a keen interest in automotive systems. You should also have good communication skills and high school completion.
Each year some students find work in the Central Vancouver Island area but others move to areas with greater job opportunities such as northern BC and Alberta