Get a full introduction to automotive service by learning to examine, test, and repair vehicles in VCC’s state-of-the-art automotive service shop.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe working practices including compliance with Worksafe BC and WHMIS regulations.
- Demonstrate employability and communication skills and work in a businesslike manner.
- Utilize hand, measuring, and power tools and equipment safely and effectively.
- Provide general automotive maintenance services including lubrication and fluids, belts and hoses, exterior lamps, body trim and hardware, tires and wheels, non friction bearings, and spindles and hubs.
- Demonstrate general automotive practices including diagnostic procedures and basic welding.
- Assess, diagnose, and service basic electrical systems.
- Assess, diagnose, and service hydraulic, drum brake, disc brake, power assist, and anti-lock brake systems.
- Assess, diagnose, and service steering systems.
- Assess, diagnose, and service suspension systems.
- Assess, diagnose, and service front and rear wheel drive axle shafts and assemblies.
- Demonstrate safe working protocols for hybrid electric vehicles.
- Assess, diagnose, and service interior and exterior components and trim.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 40 weeks (1000 hours) in length. Students have a maximum of two (2) years to complete the program.
The Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation Program is designed to meet the training needs of industry. Its content is closely monitored by a Program Advisory Committee, which suggests updating, or removal, of outdated material.
Instructional time is (approximately) 35% classroom and 65% practical activity. Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting dealing with real customers. The extensive workshop experience reinforces theoretical concepts and develops manual dexterity. The active shop also provides familiarity with repair procedures and electronic equipment standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
English 11 or Communications 12 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent;
AND Math 10 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or MATH 0750 & MATH 0751 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
OR
Department Assessment of Mechanical Reasoning: If you are unable to provide either of the above, you can contact the Program Assistant to make an appointment for a department assessment.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to physically carry-out the practical components of the program.
- Ability to lift 20 kgs.
- Ability to tolerate noise and vibration.
- Mechanical aptitude and interest.
- Good manual dexterity.
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Good eyesight and normal colour vision.
- Good line, form and depth perception.
- Possession of valid BC driver's license.
Courses *
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Typically morning classroom lecture followed by practical hands on training in fully functioning auto shop.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| AUTO 1130 | Workplace Safety | 1.5 |
| AUTO 1131 | Employability Skills | 1 |
| AUTO 1132 | Tools and Equipment | 5.5 |
| AUTO 1133 | General Automotive Maintenance | 3 |
| AUTO 1134 | General Automotive Practice | 3 |
| AUTO 1235 | Brake Systems | 6 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Two | ||
| AUTO 1238 | Electrical-Electronic Systems | 7 |
| AUTO 1237 | Suspension Systems | 3.5 |
| AUTO 1236 | Steering Systems | 6.5 |
| AUTO 1239 | Drive-line Systems | 2 |
| AUTO 1240 | Body Components, Accessories and Trim | 1 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 3947 | |
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 114 | |
| Materials | 409 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 158 | |
| Laundry | 454 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 85 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 442 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 280 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Youth applications (high school students in grade 10 and 11):
- Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers, and counselors are directed to contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district. Regional B.C. School Districts may contact the VCC Auto Technician Department for participation details.
- Greater Vancouver area High School students should apply to the Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation Certificate program.
- See the SkilledTrades BC Youth website for details.
General applications: Apply below.
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