Overview
Jump start your automotive career with this 30-week Automotive Service Technician program. As an Automotive Service Technician, you will be an essential component in maintaining the health of motor vehicles. This includes investigating, diagnosing, and repairing issues related to the mechanical systems in vehicles, often undertaking complex computer diagnostics to resolve issues.
This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin your apprenticeship pathway as an Automotive Service Technician. You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.
Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Level 1 technical training in Automotive Service Technician. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with ITA, you will then be able to complete the work based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of apprenticeship training for your chosen trade.
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.
Careers
Upon completion of this program, you will be highly employable across a wide-variety of industries and locations including:
- Dealerships
- Specialty repair shops
- Parts departments
- Service writing departments
- Insurance companies
- Passenger vehicle fleets - these can be as diverse as car rental, forestry, municipalities, and institutions
Automotive Services Technicians may also work for themselves, starting their own business, work as an educator, or further their education to work in automotive engineering and design.
What you will learn
This hands-on program will train you to become a skilled automotive service technician. You’ll learn to understand and service various vehicle systems such as:
- Brakes
- Steering
- Suspension
- Electrical
- Diagnostics
- Preventative Maintenance
- General understanding of other automotive industry needs.
Governing bodies
Automotive Service Technician Courses
The Automotive Service Technician program will train you to become a skilled technician. You'll develop your preventative maintenance and repair skills, build your understanding of steering and other vital systems, and learn to fulfill other industry needs. Not only is this program a great introduction to the automotive repair and service industry, but it will also create opportunities for apprenticeship positions in dealerships, specialty repair shops, parts departments and even as a service writer.
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
32 weeks |
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of English 10, or English 030, or equivalent
- Successful completion of Foundation Math and Pre-Calculus 10; or Math 030; or a minimum “C” grade in one of the following: Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 or Trades Math 041.
Students who do not meet the above requirements may wish to consult with a CNC counsellor/advisor to determine their eligibility on the basis of mature student status.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.
Selective admission
A program for which seats are filled based on approved selection criteria. Such criteria may include, but are not limited to, assessment, portfolio submissions, interviews and grade point average. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
Selection process
Students are encouraged to submit a resumé and handwritten statement indicating reasons for wishing to enter the program as well as complete a test of mechanical reasoning skills, and the College English/Math Achievement Test (EMAT). These items are included in the selection criteria listed below and will be awarded points.
If the program is over-subscribed, students will be selected based on the selection criteria listed below:
- The letter grade for English 10, English 030 or Communications 11 or equivalent will contribute its actual points to the selection process: e.g., “A” = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
- The letter grade for Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10, Math 030, Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 or equivalent, will contribute its actual points to tche selection process: e.g., “A” = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
- Physics 11 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher will be awarded 4 points.
- The mechanical reasoning portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 5 points. Refer to the Mechanical Reasoning Grading Scale in the CNC Calendar.
- Passing the English portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded 1 point.
- Passing the Math portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded 1 point.
- One or more trades-related courses at the Grade 12 level with a grade of “B” or higher, or successful completion of any foundation-level trades training program, or documented experience of one year in a trade will be awarded 3 points.
- Minimum “C” grade in one of the following: English 11, Foundations of Math 11, or Trades Math 042, or equivalents will be awarded 3 points.
- Credit for submitting a resumé and personal handwritten statement indicating their reasons for wishing to enter this program will be awarded a maximum of 3 points.
Maximum points available = 28
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $3,872.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
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.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.