Automotive Service Technician Foundation

The 30 week Automotive Service Technician Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) program will give you the skills, knowledge and training you need to enter the automotive industry and covers all of the competencies for Level 1 of the four-level Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program. You will learn about general automotive maintenance and practices, basic electrical systems, brake systems, steering systems and suspension systems, as well as using automotive tools and equipment. The program includes classroom theory, demonstrations, and practical hands-on training in a functioning automotive shop setting.

Program Overview

View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.

Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.

View or download the pdf version of the program outline

In this program, you will learn about:

• Performing Safety-Related Functions
• Using Tools, Equipment and Documentation
• Using Communication and Mentoring Techniques
• Diagnosing and Repairing Driveline Systems
• Diagnosing and Repairing Electrical Systems and Components
• Diagnose and repair basic wiring and electrical systems
• Diagnose and repair starting and charging systems and batteries
• Diagnosing and Repairing Steering and Suspension, Braking, Control Systems, Tires, Wheels, Hubs and Wheel Bearings
• Diagnosing and Repairing Restraint Systems, Body Components, Accessories and Trim
• Diagnosing and Repairing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV)
• Diagnosing and Repairing Engine Systems

You will also take:

• Basic First Aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)

*Students must complete Basic First Aid within the program or have a current Basic First Aid certificate valid to the end of the program.

When you successfully finish the program you will receive:

• Level 1 Technical Training credit from SkilledTradesBC of the 4 Level Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.
• Credit for 450 Work-based Training hours from SkilledTradesBC.
• Certificate of Completion Automotive Service Technician (SkilledTradesBC).
• College of the Rockies Certificate

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Additional Student Costs for Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies:

• Steel-toed Leather Work Boots
• Safety Glasses
• Coveralls and flame retardant work clothes
• Required Texts
• Pens, pencils, three-ring binder
• Calculator
• Paper
• Digital multi meter with 10 MΩ impedance

As an Automotive Service Tech, you can choose from a wide variety of job opportunities with:

• Car, truck, and trailer dealerships
• Automotive Service Shops
• Organizations with fleet vehicles, like UPS or Budget
• Service stations
• Transportation companies
• Transit companies
• Vehicle manufacturing companies
• Specialty repair shops

With further education and/or experience, you could become a service manager, shop manager, or even open your own repair shop!

Gain insights into job expectations, career prospects, salary, and additional information through WorkBC.