Overview
Get certified with CNC's automotive service technician apprenticeship program! This program provides the technical training portion of your apprenticeship journey, which in combination with work-based training hours, leads to Red Seal certification.
About apprenticeship programs
Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom-based learning (known as technical training) with on-the-job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.
In addition to earning wages while learning on the job, many apprentices have their technical training paid for by their company, and/or qualify for Employment Insurance while in school. Additionally, there are a number of grants and tax credits available to both apprentices and employers. Visit skilledtradesbc.ca to learn more.
Red Seal tradespeople are certified to work across Canada and may also have their credentials recognized internationally. Certified skilled tradespeople are in demand worldwide, leading to opportunities for international work experience or volunteer opportunities. Many tradespeople also are entrepreneurs, building businesses that may eventually employ others and give back to the local community.
A Red Seal trade can also be a stepping stone to further education, management positions, or even returning to college as an educator teaching the next generation of tradespeople.
Apprentice Automotive Service Technician Courses
The Automotive Service Technician program will train you to become a skilled technician. From fender benders to major body work, you'll learn to fix brakes, repair electrical systems, understand steering systems, perform preventative maintenance, and fulfill other industry needs. The automotive industry needs skilled administrative personnel who have technical as well as business training, and many CNC graduates have gone on to run or build their own automotive businesses.
Apprenticeship Levels
AUTO 100 – Automotive Service Technician Level 1 (7 weeks) *
AUTO 200 - Automotive Service Technician Level 2 (7 weeks)
AUTO 300 - Automotive Service Technician Level 3 (7 weeks)
AUTO 400 - Automotive Service Technician Level 4 (7 weeks)
Automotive Service Technician Apprentices who successfully complete AUTO 400 are eligible to write the Red Seal Certification Exam.
Technical training must be completed in sequence. It is recommended to complete a full year of work-based training hours between levels to best prepare for the next level of technical training.
*You may also receive credit for Level 1 by successfully completing the Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program
Training dates & how to apply
For up to date technical training dates at CNC visit tradestrainingbc.ca.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit
Apply Trades.
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
Apprentices must have their employer register them with Industry Training Authority (SkilledTradesBC (formerly ITA) and fill out the CNC Trades Apprenticeship application form online. Once complete, they are placed on the appropriate "interest list”. 2-3 months prior to the course start date, they will be contacted by CNC if a seat is available.
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible.
Visit Trades Training BC for the most up to date apprenticeship schedules.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
7 weeks
September 11 - Octber 27 2023 |
| Fall 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
7 weeks
October 30 - December 15 |
| Spring 2024 |
Prince George |
In Class |
7 weeks
January 2 - February 6 2024 |
| Spring 2024 |
Prince George |
In Class |
7 weeks
February 20 - April 5 2024 |
| Spring 2024 |
Prince George |
In Class |
7 weeks
April 22 - June 7 2024 |
The fine print
Once your employer has submitted an Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form to ITA on your behalf you can apply to attend technical training at CNC. Many of our apprenticeship programs have waitlists so we encourage you to apply early.
ITA doesn’t require AST apprentices to have completed a required number of work-based-training hours to attend technical training. However, because apprenticeship programs are a unique blend of in-class and on-the-job training we encourage you to work with your employer to decide on a training schedule that best combines these two forms of training.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for apprenticeship technical training, you may be interested in the Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
View costs by level
Level 1 Tuition: $973.00 - 1,000.29
Level 2 Tuition: $883.39 - 910.68
Level 3 Tuition: $973.00 - 1,000.29
Level 4 Tuition: $883.39 - 910.68
Some books are shared between levels. You may be able to spend substantially less on books if you keep them between years.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Refund policy
Please review our refund procedures document for apprentices (page 2) here.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Work BC offers financial support to apprenticeship students.
Service Canada offers a variety of financial supports for apprentices and their employers including tax credits, grants, and EI while attending technical training.
Apprentices may qualify for interest free loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training through the Canada Apprentice Loan program.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.