Parts & Warehousing certificate

At UCFV we can help put students behind the counter in the parts and warehousing industry. The program will prepare students for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, or for entry directly into employment. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade, and develop skills expected by employers.

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 British Columbia.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in the after-market industry, and with automotive dealerships, independent jobbers, warehousing, industrial suppliers, shippers and receivers, and department stores.

Graduates can also apply to the provincial apprenticeship office (ITAC) for information regarding credit toward the Parts/Warehousing Apprenticeship program. Call (604) 852-5922.

Program outline

The Parts & Warehousing program starts in September and ends approximately 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.

Students will be working with the help of learning packages that will give step-by-step instructions. The learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, instructions, and demonstrations and/or lectures.

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. Practical hands-on training as a part of the total plan will increase as the student progresses through the program. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after “on-the-job” situations.

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. The modular curriculum provides a flexible learning path, allowing accelerated learning opportunities for those entering the program with a greater experience or skill level. This performance-paced process allows students an accelerated completion time and/or an opportunity to develop higher levels of expertise in any area of the program.

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.

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 Vern Wright at (604) 853-7441, local 4340.

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

Tuition fees are based on a weekly format. Students register and pay fees for the entire semester period. Students who complete or withdraw before the end of the period, may abe given a refund based on the number of full weeks remaining in the semester. The completion date is determined by the Trades department.

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.

Parts & Warehousing students should also budget approximately $550 for required learning guides and $50-85 for binders and textbooks.

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

Vern Wright, Journeyman Automotive Technician, Vehicle Inspection Certificate, AirCare Certification, Alternate Fuel Endorsement, LPG and CNG

Program advisory committee

Wayne Becker, Cascade Industrial Supply Co. Ltd.
Gordon Bellam, Gregg’s Distributors
Ernie Cameron, Valley Toyota
David Code, Lordco
Jim Evans, Wakefield Sperling
Daryl Johnson, Sunrise Toyota
George MacDonald, Cherry Ford
Richard Morris, Abbotsford Chrysler
Darryl Muir, Motorcade Inc.
Randy Regagliati, United Automotive Distributors
Reg Slinn, UAP/NAPA Clearbrook
Bud Stephenson, All Parts Auto
John Warlimont, Truckline Parts
Al Wood, Tidewater Industrial Supplies Ltd.
Ron Wood, MSA Ford, PAC chair

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