Program Length
- 10 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Dynamic automotive training
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.
In this program you work on cars in a live shop using the latest technology. You work with real customers and you get the kind of experience that sets you up for success.
Gain real-world experience
At VIU, you get more hands-on training than anywhere else. 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.
The program features three weeks of work experience. You work in the industry gaining real-world experience and making industry connections. You enter the workforce ready for the demands of the job.
Automotive career options
As one of the fastest growing sectors in BC, anyone with automotive skills will be in- hig demand. In addition to working as an automotive technician, you do many other jobs in a auto service shop
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.
The Automotive Service Technician Certificate Program
- Apprenticeship Registration: call 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6227
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.
SkilledTradesBC 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 SkilledTradesBC, phone 1.866.660.6011, or contact Vancouver Island University at 250.740.6227 or Apprentice@viu.ca. Learn more about VIU's Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeships.
| 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.
- 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 $499.20 per month) | 4,992.00 |
| Supply fee | 179.27 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) | 199.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| 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 | 7,152.47 |
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:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
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.
|
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| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Automotive Service Technician program offers 2 classes each September.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Jenna Milne 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. |
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Sign up for more information about this program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Keith Green
“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.”