Graduates of the 2-Year Vehicle Systems Repair and Maintenance Diploma program apply technical knowledge and skills to perform service, maintenance, and repair on vehicles. Students also will acquire foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to carry out their duties in a safe, ethical, and professional manner.
Vehicle Systems Repair and Maintenance
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What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice safety including complying with WorkSafe BC and WHMIS in the workplace.
- Apply employability and communication skills while working in a businesslike manner.
- Utilize hand, measuring, and power tools and shop equipment safely and effectively.
- Provide general automotive maintenance services with lubrication and fluids, belts and hoses, exterior lamps, exhaust system, tires and wheels.
- Assess, diagnose, and service gasoline and diesel engines.
- Describe vehicle powertrain systems and explain drive lines.
- Assess, diagnose, and service regular vehicle brake, suspension, and steering systems.
- Describe, diagnose and repair electrical and engine management systems.
- Describe heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Assess, diagnose, and service vehicle trims.
- Describe new vehicle technology and hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Describe engine tuning and dynamometer testing.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program is two years of full-time study. The maximum time to complete the program is 5 years.
Students will work in classroom and shop environments to gain the theoretical knowledge and hands on experience to succeed in the automotive technology industry. The initial courses focus on students learning and practicing tool kit use, identifying tools, mechanical technology as used on the shop floor, as well as understanding and identifying design structures of tools and technology. This will all be undertaken following the principles of safety and WHMIS. Once mastery of this is achieved, students will learn the theory and practice to the specific components of vehicle repairs.
Throughout the classroom experience students will learn through a variety of teaching and learning styles such as group work, presentations, lectures and examinations.
In the shop environment, students apply the theory they acquired in class to diagnose, service, and repair all components of vehicles through hands on-projects, tasks and assessments.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- Composition 11 (English 11) or equivalent
- Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 or equivalent
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Program Considerations
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing on concrete floors.
- Program tasks require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity for handling tools, instruments, and performing detailed procedures.
- Program tasks require frequent lifting and moving of heavy parts and equipment.
- The program environment involves regular exposure to loud machinery noise, power tools, and equipment vibrations.
- The learning environment involves regular exposure to automotive chemicals, including fuels, oils, lubricants, coolants, and cleaning agents; as well as exposure to fumes, dust, and airborne particles from paints, solvents, and mechanical processes.
- A valid driver’s license is recommended for the program segments that involve driving cars to and from their proper spaces.
Courses *
Classes are generally held 4 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Class times are subject to change.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| HPAS 1000 | Automotive Workplace Safety | 1.0 |
| HPAS 1010 | Automotive Employability Skills | 2.0 |
| HPAS 1020 | Automotive Tools and Equipment | 5.0 |
| HPAS 1030 | General Automotive Maintenance | 6.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HPAS 1210 | Engine Repair and Custom Engine | 5 |
| HPAS 1220 | Manual Drivetrain and Axles | 3.5 |
| HPAS 1230 | Automatic Transmission and Transaxle | 1.5 |
| HPAS 1240 | Brake Systems and High Performance Brake | 6.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term Three | ||
| HPAS 2110 | Suspension Systems and High Performance Suspension | 5.0 |
| HPAS 2120 | Steering Systems and High Performance Steering | 6 |
| HPAS 2130 | Electrical and Electronic Systems | 4.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Four | ||
| HPAS 2210 | Engine Management and Performance Systems | 4.5 |
| HPAS 2220 | Light Vehicle Diesel Engines and Support Systems | 1.5 |
| HPAS 2230 | Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning | 1.5 |
| HPAS 2240 | Vehicle Trim | 2.5 |
| HPAS 2250 | Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and ADAS | 3.0 |
| HPAS 2260 | High Performance Engine Tuning and Dynamometers | 2.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Apply now
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, October 26-30.