vcc.ca
HPAS 1010: Automotive Employability Skills
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course equips students with the essential skills needed to thrive in the automotive service industry. Students will learn to apply effective communication techniques, including active listening and digital communication, within a shop environment. The course covers the roles and career paths of various shop personnel, emphasizing the professionalism expected in the industry. Students will explore shop efficiency through management methods, pay structures, and productivity. Student will create job application materials and practice interview techniques. Practical application of trades math and science skills in the automotive service context is also a key component of this course.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply effective communication techniques, including active listening, and digital communication in a shop environment.
- Describe and differentiate the roles of various shop personnel, including the career paths of an automotive technician.
- Demonstrate professionalism that is expected from the automotive service industry.
- Describe shop efficiency within the context of management methods, including different pay structures and productivity.
- Create job application materials by identifying job search resources and practicing interview techniques.
- Apply trades math and science skills in the automotive service industry.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 20
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 50
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 50
Instructional Strategies
Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting. The extensive workshop experience provides reinforcement of theoretical concepts, develops hand skills, and familiarity with repair procedures, electronic equipment and standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
20 |
Assignments related to job applications, trade math and science. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Students are given final exam at the end of the course to assess their theoretical knowledge. |
|
Lab Work |
20 |
Instructor observation of interview practices, professionalism. |
|
Participation |
10 |
Demonstrated engagement with course activities and discussions. |
Course topics
- Communication techniques
- Professionalism in auto service industry
- Job titles, duties, career paths
- Job applications, resume writing, interviews
- Trades Math
- Trades Science
Learning resources
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (Published by Pearson)
Moodle (LMS)
Moodle (LMS)
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.