Auto Technician certificate

At UCFV, we can put students on the road towards a career as an automotive technician. The Auto Technician program will prepare students for entry into the automotive service and repair industry. Successful completion may also provide students with advanced placement in the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade and develop skills expected by employers. You will have the opportunity to acquire a general knowledge on most systems used on cars and light trucks.

Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program is part of the entry-level provincial standard taught throughout B.C.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in automotive dealers or garages, service stations, and private shops involved in fleet maintenance.

Graduates can also apply to the provincial apprenticeship office (ITAC) for information regarding credit into the Automotive apprenticeship program.

Program outline

The Automotive program starts in September and ends about the end of June.

Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.

The learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, and instructions.

At regular stages students will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop their practical skills.

As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after “on-the-job” situations where a limited amount of direct supervision is required.

The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry.

Sample topics:

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in June.

General information

Trades & Technology programs at UCFV include Auto Technician, Carpentry, Drafting Technician, Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Technician, Joinery, Parts and Warehousing, and Welding.

All Trades programs, shops, and labs, are located in the Trades & Technology Centre at the Abbotsford campus, which is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes and shops are in session 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Automotive apprenticeship training is also offered at the Abbotsford campus. Call the local apprenticeship office at (604) 852-5922 for more details.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent

2. A math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

How to apply

1. Make an appointment with the Trades & Technology receptionist to write the entrance exam by calling (604) 854-4548. There is no fee for writing this exam.

2. Read the program description and information carefully. If you wish to speak to the instructor, call Rolf Arnold at (604) 853-7441, local 4323.

3. Students may schedule an appointment to pretest for the program while they are completing their prerequisites if they provide a statement from their counsellor or high school principal indicating that they are in their last semester of studies, and are likely to complete them successfully.

4. Prior to the classes starting in September, students will be notified by telephone of the registration procedures. Students who cannot be reached by telephone after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

5. Students must attend an orientation session one week prior to the start date of the program. Students will be notified by telephone as to the date and time of orientation. Registration fees and required textbooks must be purchased prior to the first day of classes.

6. Stand-by status will be offered to some wait-listed students prior to the orientation date. Spaces available because of “no-shows” will be offered to stand-by students, according to their wait-list status.

Fees and other expenses

The fees are about $35 per week, which includes 6% for Student Activities fee, Student Society fee, and the Legacy Fund. Fees are payable on a 15-week basis. The total fee is about $528 every 15 weeks. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required with the first payment. Students will also be charged a $15 application fee, plus a $12.50 per semester technology fee. Fees are subject to change.

Automotive Technician students should also budget approximately $500 for basic hand tools, $500 for required textbooks, and $125 for appropriate working apparel.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UCFV official if/when the statement is required.

Faculty

Rolf Arnold, Journeyman Automotive Technician, Instructor Diploma (VCC), Vehicle Inspection Cert., AirCare Cert., Alternate Fuel Endorsement, ASE Automotive Master Technician
Bernie Duncan, Journeyman Automotive Technician, Instructor Diploma (VCC), Vehicle Inspection Cert., AirCare Cert., Alternate Fuel Endorsement, ASE Automotive Master Technician

Career Technical Centre

UCFV and School District #34 (Abbotsford) operate a jointly sponsored Career Technical Centre. Auto Technician students enter at the Grade 11 level and complete high school and a one-year UCFV Auto Technician certificate over 2½ years.

Faculty

Dean Key, Journeyman Automotive Technician, CUIP Certification

Program advisory committee

Alf Derksen, Dams Lincoln Mercury
Terry Everett, Abbotsford Chrysler Ltd.
Peter Gray, Ford Canada
Merlin Gunther, Valley Autohouse (1984) Ltd.
Bill Hall, Fastrac Automotive
Ron Hildebrandt, Helmut Service Centre
Chuck Johnson, Hall Pontiac
Del Kaupp
Harold Kerr, Valley Toyota Ltd.
Norm Koch, Motorcade
George MacDonald, Cherry Ford Sales Ltd.
Keith Major, Tuneup Centre
Chris Murphy, Pro Auto Care Ltd.
Bev Nalder, O'Connor Chrysler
Jim Neville, Arvid’s Automotive Repair Ltd.
Gordon Sciotti, Modern Tire Ltd.
Jake Seimens, Hub Motor Service Ltd.
Tom Sellmer, Pro Auto Care Ltd.
Rick Sperling, Mertin GM
Cameron Tedford, Friendship Auto Services
Bryan Yakashiro, Sunrise Toyota

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