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.

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

For a complete program description, including prerequisite details and technical training content about each level of training see: AST Foundation Program Outline.

You will also take:

• Occupational First Aid Level 1
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)

*Students must complete Occupational First Aid Level 1 within the program or have a current Occupational First Aid Level 1 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

Prerequisites:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent, or completion of a College of the Rockies assessment to an acceptable level.

The following education is highly recommended for student success within the program:

• Either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
• Physics 11 or Science and Technology 11

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Must be able to work in cramped spaces
• Considerable bending, kneeling and lifting is required

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:

For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. 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.