Automotive Parts, Service Advising and Collision Estimating
Start your career in the automotive industry. Train for entry-level roles as a Parts Technician, Service Advisor, or Autobody Estimator while building hands-on skills in automotive systems, inventory operations, service writing, and collision damage estimating.
Automotive Parts, Service Advising and Collision Estimating
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 20-24.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify and interpret automotive parts, components, and systems using industry-standard resources.
- Provide accurate service recommendations using vehicle history, customer concerns, and manufacturer specifications.
- Communicate effectively with customers, technicians, and suppliers.
- Apply inventory control, procurement, and cataloguing practices in a parts department setting.
- Use dealership management systems (DMS), electronic catalogues, and parts lookup software.
- Interpret service estimates, warranty policies, and repair procedures.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and customer service in a retail/service environment.
- Interpret collision damage and prepare basic estimates using autobody industry standards and software tools.
- Adhere to safety regulations and workplace procedures.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 8 months in length. Students have a maximum of three (3) years to complete the program.
Lecture, group work, case studies, discussions, presentations, guest speakers, online activities.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- Composition 12 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
- Workplace Math 10 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
Department Assessment:
If you are unable to provide either of the above, you can contact the Department Head to make an appointment for a department assessment.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Program Considerations
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Program tasks require differentiating colours for safety codes, wiring, and detailed visual assessments in automotive work.
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Program environment involves exposure to:
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Automotive chemicals, including fuels, oils, lubricants, coolants, and cleaning agents;
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Dust and airborne particles; and
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Loud machinery noise, power tools, and equipment vibrations
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Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses in the program.
Students may complete up to 65% of the total program credits through PLAR and/or transfer credit. Tuition and fees will still apply. Methods of PLAR assessment vary by course and may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy or contact transfercredit@vcc.ca for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AUTO 1010 | Introduction to Automotive Industry | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1020 | Automotive Systems Fundamentals | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1030 | Customer Service & Communication Skills | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1040 | Parts & Inventory Management 1 | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1050 | Safety and Shop Procedures | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1135 | Service Advising & Repair Order Writing | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1145 | Parts & Inventory Management 2 | 3.0 |
| AUTO 1155 | Dealership & Warranty Operations | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1165 | Computer Applications for Parts & Service | 2.5 |
| AUTO 1175 | Autobody Collision Estimating | 2.5 |
| Total Credits | 25.5 | |
* 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.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 9736 | |
| Student union | 144 | |
| College initiative | 77 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 195 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 285 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 375 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Get started
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 20-24.