Auto Service Technician certificate

Entry-level trades training

At UCFV, we put students on the road towards a career as an automotive technician. The Auto Service 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 Auto Service Technician Apprenticeship program. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade and develop skills expected by employers. Students 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 repair shops, or repair shops involved in fleet maintenance.

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.
    They must then apply their knowledge to demonstrate 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 written 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:
    • Safe and effective work practices
    • Using specialized equipment
    • Servicing steering and suspension systems
    • Servicing brake systems
    • Performing major engine overhaul
    • Servicing engine support systems
    • Servicing electrical systems
    • Servicing transmissions
    • Technical Communications 115 (three academic credits).

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
The Automotive Service Technician program is offered at the Trades and Technology Centre at the Abbotsford campus which is open 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Automotive apprenticeship training is also offered at the Abbotsford campus.
For information call 604-504-7441, ext. 4438.

Entrance requirements
1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. A math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

How to apply
1. Submit a UCFV application form, along with the $45 application fee to the Admissions and Records office. Students currently in Grade 12 may apply beginning in January of their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be included with the application.

2. You will be notified of your entrance exam date by the Trades and Technology department. If you have not been contacted within two weeks call 604-854-4548. There is no fee for writing these exams.

3. Read the program description and information carefully. If you wish to speak to the instructor, call Vern Wright at 604-504-7441, local 4323.

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 program wait list.

Fees and other expenses
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
    The program fees are approximately $100 per week, which includes the tuition fees plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. In addition, each semester (fall, winter, and spring) students will pay a $25 Student Union Society membership fee and a $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee. Full payment of fees is required before the start of classes each semester, by the beginning of September, January, and April.
Note: A deposit (currently $150) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester.
    Automotive Technician students should also budget approximately $625 for basic hand tools, $500 for required textbooks, and $200 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
Vern Wright, Journeyman Automotive Technician, Vehicle Inspection Cert., AirCare Certification., Alternate Fuel Endorsement, LPG and CNG.
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 two years.

Faculty
Dean Key, Journeyman Automotive Technician, CVIP Certification, Propane Endorsement

Auto Service Technician upgrading
Interested parties should contact the instructor for information regarding the possibility of upgrading.

Fees for upgrading students
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
Fees are based on one-week blocks of training at approximately $100 per week, which includes the tuition fees plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. In addition, students will pay a $45 application fee, a $25 Student Union Society membership fee, and a $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee. Additional fees may be charged, depending on the topic of the upgrade.

Program advisory committee
Dave and Kathy Bowering, Abby Country Motors Ltd.
Alf Derksen, Dams Lincoln Mercury
Peter Duncan, Nissan
Don Eng, Fountain Tire
David Foreman, Foreman Auto Repair
Peter Gray, Ford Canada
Ron Hildebrandt, Helmut Service Centre
Harold Kerr, Valley Toyota Ltd.
Fred Key, Key Imports
Wayne Lakerveld and Rob Sciotti, Modern Tire Ltd.
Sam Loo, AirCare
Keith Major, Tuneup Centre
Chris Murphy and Tom Sellmer, Pro Auto Care Ltd.
Jim Neville, Arvid’s Automotive Repair Ltd.
James Oakley, Motorcade
Gary Pickette, O’Connor Chrysler
Jake Seimens, Hub Motor Service Ltd.
Rick Sperling, Mertin GM
Lloyd Stamm, Automotive Retailers Assocation
Bob Ward, Hall Pontiac
David Yakashiro, Sunrise Toyota
 

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