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 Foundation Courses
In the Automotive Service Technician Foundation program, students will learn the skills to perform safety related functions, use tools and equipment and documentation, use communication and mentoring techniques, diagnose and repair driveline systems, diagnose and repair electrical systems and components, diagnose and repair steering and suspension, braking, control systems, tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings, diagnose and repair restrain systems, body components, accessories and trim, diagnose and repair hybrid and electric vehicles.
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 |
| Fall 2024 |
Prince George |
In Class |
30 weeks (two intakes) |
Entry Requirements
- English Language Arts 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent
- Workplace Mathematics 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent
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.
Limited admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted”. If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a wait list.
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.