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Automotive Service Technician: Apprenticeship

Vancouver Island University

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  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    $800 (One level- 4 level s in total)
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    Email apprentice@viu.ca or 250-740-6227 for details
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • Automotive Service Technician, 3-2-1 Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal endorsement; and Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Coordinator Contact
    Tanya Reiber Email tanya.reiber@viu.ca or 250.740.6112

Application Deadline Advice

Applications are accepted at an ongoing basis. Qualified applicants are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is strongly recommended.

Red Seal

This is a Red Seal trade. Learn more about trade mobility within Canada at Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

Training Schedule

Training schedule details provided by the BC Trades Training Consortium (TTC).

View upcoming training dates on TTC.

Level: 03
Nanaimo
Level: 04
Nanaimo

Related Foundation Programs

Not ready for an apprenticeship program? This Foundation (Pre-apprenticeship) program may be of interest:

Apprenticeship Training

This program satisfies the training standard set by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for:

Automotive Service Technician

For updated details regarding Automotive Service Technician, please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Automotive Service Technicians repair, adjust, and replace mechanical, electrical, and electronic parts of cars and light trucks in a retail automotive business. 

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes four years to complete.

The technical training is made up of four levels totaling 28 weeks (840 hours). Levels One, Two, Three, and Four are 7 weeks (210 hours) each. This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 6360 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves 212 weeks of training.

Training Content
  • Perform safety related functions
  • Use Tools, Equipment and Documentation
  • Use Communication and Mentoring Techniques
  • Diagnose and Repair:
    • Engine Systems
    • Diesel Engine Support Systems
    • Vehicle Networking Systems
    • Driveline Systems
    • Electrical Systems and Components
    • HVAC and Comfort Control Systems
    • Steering and Suspension Braking, Control Systems, Tires, Wheels, Hubs, and Wheel Bearings
    • Restraint Systems, Body Components, Accessories and Trim
    • Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV)
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 12 or equivalent, including:
  • English 12
  • Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11 or Trade Math 11
  • Applied Physics 11 or Science and Technology 11
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: None
  • Work Based Training: 1,590 hours*
  • *individuals who are holders of both certificates will only be awarded credit for 1,590 WBT hours total

Truck and Transport Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: None
  • Work-Based Training: 1,590 hours*
  • *individuals who are holders of both certificates will only be awarded credit for 1,590 WBT hours total
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.