Graduates of this 2-year program will apply technical knowledge and skills to increase the power of diesel and automotive engines, enhance the performance of automobiles, and perform repair, service, and maintenance on high-performance vehicles.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice safely including complying with WorkSafe BC and WHMIS regulations.
- Apply employability and communication skills while working in a businesslike manner.
- Utilize hand, measuring, and power tools and equipment safely and effectively.
- Provide general automotive maintenance services and high-performance modifications with lubrication and fluids, belts and hoses, exterior lamps, body trim and hardware, tires and wheels, non-friction bearings and spindles and hubs.
- Assess, diagnose, service and update performance on hydraulic drum brake, disc brake, power assist and anti-lock brake systems.
- Assess, diagnose, service and update performance on steering systems.
- Assess, diagnose, service and update performance on suspension systems.
- Describe and diagnose electrical, electronic, and ignition systems.
- Analyze and diagnose On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System data using advanced electrical test equipment including computer controls, multiplex and network systems.
- Identify and service fuel delivery systems, fuel types, alternate fuels, and gasoline fuel injection components.
- Describe and test engine management systems including input sensors and output actuators.
- Describe new vehicle technology and hybrid systems.
- Perform engine tuning and dynamometer testing.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 2 years in length. Maximum time for completion is 5 years.
Students will work in classroom and shop environments to gain the theoretical knowledge and hands on experience to succeed in the automotive technology industry. The initial courses focus on students learning and practicing tool kit use, identifying tools, mechanical technology as used on the shop floor, as well as understanding and identifying design structures of tools and technology. This will all be undertaken following the principles of safety and WHMIS. Once mastery of this is achieved, students will learn the theory and practice to the specific components of vehicle repairs.
Throughout the classroom experience students will learn through a variety of teaching and learning styles such as group work, presentations, lectures and examinations.
In the shop environment, students apply the theory they acquired in class to diagnose, service, and repair all components of vehicles through hands on-projects, tasks and assessments.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- Composition 11 (English 11) or equivalent
- Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 or equivalent
Applicants who do not meet the Program Admission Requirements may be admitted based on an assessment of relevant trades experience following the College's Flexible Admissions policy.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Recommended Characteristics
- Basic computer skills
- Good general health and respiratory condition
- Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy parts and equipment as required by the program
- Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
- Mechanical aptitude and interest
- Good manual dexterity
- Good hand-eye co-ordination
- Good eyesight and normal colour vision
- Good line, form and depth perception
- Possession of valid driver's license
Courses *
Classes are generally held 4 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Class times are subject to change.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| IAST 1010 | Automotive Safety | 2 |
| IAST 1015 | Communication and Business | 2 |
| IAST 1020 | Automotive Repair Tools | 4 |
| IAST 1025 | Automotive Service | 7 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Two | ||
| IAST 1030 | Automotive Methods | 4 |
| IAST 1023 | Automotive Electronics | 6 |
| IAST 1245 | High Performance Hydraulic & Mechanical Brakes | 6 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Three | ||
| IAST 2010 | Auto Frame & Body Support | 4 |
| IAST 2145 | High Performance Automotive Steering | 7 |
| IAST 2020 | Advanced Electric/Electronics | 5 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Four | ||
| IAST 2025 | Electronic Ignition Systems | 3 |
| IAST 2030 | Fuel Delivery Systems | 3 |
| IAST 2035 | Engine Management Systems | 4 |
| IAST 2245 | High Performance Engine Tuning and Dynamometers | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* 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 *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 36477 | |
| Student union | 283 | |
| College initiative | 183 | |
| Materials | 644 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 365 | |
| Laundry | 730 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 85 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 644 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program
* 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.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
STATUS INFORMATION
- Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
- Closed: Applications are not accepted.
- For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
For more information and tips, see Apply page