Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

Get a full introduction to automotive service by learning to examine, test, and repair vehicles in VCC’s state-of-the-art automotive service shop.

Tuition: 3870*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 8 0 months

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based

Campus: Broadway

Start Dates: Jan, May, Sep

What you will learn

Graduates of Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation Certificate will have acquired the skills and knowledge to:

Demonstrate safe working practices including compliance with Worksafe BC and WHMIS regulations.
Demonstrate employability and communication skills and work in a businesslike manner.
Utilize hand, measuring, and power tools and equipment safely and effectively.
Provide general automotive maintenance services including lubrication and fluids, belts and hoses, exterior lamps, body trim and hardware, tires and wheels, non friction bearings, and spindles and hubs.
Demonstrate general automotive practices including diagnostic procedures and basic welding.
Assess, diagnose, and service basic electrical systems.
Assess, diagnose, and service hydraulic, drum brake, disc brake, power assist, and anti-lock brake systems.
Assess, diagnose, and service steering systems.
Assess, diagnose, and service suspension systems.
Assess, diagnose, and service front and rear wheel drive axle shafts and assemblies.
Demonstrate safe working protocols for hybrid electric vehicles.
Assess, diagnose, and service interior and exterior components and trim.

What to expect

The Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation Program is designed to meet the training needs of industry. Its content is closely monitored by a Program Advisory Committee, which suggests updating, or removal, of outdated material.

Instructional time is (approximately) 35% classroom and 65% practical activity. Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting dealing with real customers. The extensive workshop experience reinforces theoretical concepts and develops manual dexterity. The active shop also provides familiarity with repair procedures and electronic equipment standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.

Admission requirements

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.

Recommended Characteristics

Basic computer skills.
Ability to physically carry-out the practical components of the program.
Ability to lift 20 kgs.
Ability to tolerate noise and vibration.
Mechanical aptitude and interest.
Good manual dexterity.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Good eyesight and normal colour vision.
Good line, form and depth perception.
Possession of valid BC driver's license.

Courses

Program general hours

Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Typically morning classroom lecture followed by practical hands on training in fully functioning auto shop.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term One		Credits
AUTO 1130	Workplace Safety	1.5
AUTO 1131	Employability Skills	1
AUTO 1132	Tools and Equipment	5.5
AUTO 1133	General Automotive Maintenance	3
AUTO 1134	General Automotive Practice	3
AUTO 1235	Brake Systems	6
	Credits	20
Term Two
AUTO 1238	Electrical-Electronic Systems	7
AUTO 1237	Suspension Systems	3.5
AUTO 1236	Steering Systems	6.5
AUTO 1239	Drive-line Systems	2
AUTO 1240	Body Components, Accessories and Trim	1
	Credits	20
	Total Credits	40

* 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	35
Tuition Tuition	3870	Tuition Breakdown 1742 - Term 1 2129 - Term 2 0 - Term 3 0 - Term 4
Student union	128
College initiative	112
Materials	401	not including textbooks
Campus resource	155
Laundry	446
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	85
Uniform (deposit)	0
Medical & Dental	275
U-PASS	442
Graduation	40
Program-specific extra fees	275
Total

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

* 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 $300 non-refundable deposit.

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.