Automotive Service Technician

You like to know how things work, and you want variety in your career. As an automotive technician you can expect a satisfying career with a diverse and challenging work week.

The automotive industry is one of the fastest changing industries, with new technologies introduced all the time. 

In this program you work on cars in a live shop using the latest technology. You work with real customers and you get the kind of experience that sets you up for success. 

Gain Real-world Experience

At VIU, you get more hands-on training than anywhere else. Six hours of your eight-hour school day will be spent in the workshop. You learn valuable skills like vehicle inspection and on-the-job problem solving.

The program features three weeks of work experience. You work in the industry gaining real-world experience and making industry connections. You enter the workforce ready for the demands of the job.

Automotive Career Options

As one of the fastest growing sectors in BC, anyone with automotive skills will be in- hig demand. In addition to working as an automotive technician, you do many other jobs in a auto service shop

As you work through your apprentice levels, you’ll learn hybrid and electric vehicle repair, further increasing the demand for your skills. Once you have a Red Seal endorsement you can be your own boss. 

The Automotive Service Technician Certificate Program

The Vancouver Island University Automotive Department provides both foundation and apprenticeship training. Foundation training is designed to prepare students for a career in the automotive repair trade.

Graduates of this program may find work as apprentice automotive technicians, or as automotive parts persons/service writers. Job opportunities exist on Vancouver Island, and throughout BC and Canada.

Upon receiving the Interprovincial Certificate, graduates are eligible to work anywhere in Canada.

Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program

The Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program is a full–time comprehensive program taught through daily lectures, seminars and demonstrations of current servicing techniques, as well as extensive practical training in a functioning automotive shop setting.

The course curriculum reflects today's technology and is relevant to the needs of industry. The instructors are all highly trained Journeyperson Automotive Technicians with at least ten years' trade experience.

This program is suited to individuals with all levels of mechanical experience.

Upon successful completion of all the program courses, students receive an Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program certificate and an Essential Skills for the Workplace – Automotive Service Technician certificate.

Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.

SkilledTradesBC Automotive Apprenticeship Information

The apprentice level training provides provincially certified apprenticeship training for registered Automotive apprentices in Level 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The Automotive Apprenticeship program consists of 4 years on-the-job experience combined with in-school technical training in order to become eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson certification.