Applied and Technical Studies

Auto Service Technician certificate

Entry-level trades training

UFV puts 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 exceeds the provincial standards of Foundation and ELTT programs taught throughout B.C.

Concurrent studies option

UFV allows secondary school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their Grade 12 year. For more information, students should contact their district/school career counsellor. Students may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in automotive dealerships, repair shops, repair shops involved in fleet maintenance, and shops that specialize in exhaust, brakes, transmissions, and tune-ups.

Entrance requirements

Secondary school graduation is strongly recommended for career success. In addition to UFV’s general university admission requirements, which include the English language proficiency requirement, students must meet the following entrance requirements for admission.

1. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Mature student status (19 years or older).
2. One of the following:
   • Completion of any Mathematics 10 (or higher grade) or equivalent (including Foundations of Mathematics, Pre-calculus, Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics, MATH 072, or MATH 076) with a grade of C or better.
   • Successful completion of a UFV trades math entrance exam.

   Note: Students who have not been in any schooling for more than three years are strongly advised to take the recommended mathematics assessment test to determine level of preparedness. The assessment test may identify areas that require strengthening to optimize the opportunities for program success. In most cases, upgrading can be taken simultaneously with the program.

3. One of the following:
   • Completion of English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note) with a grade of C or better.

     Note: Students may also present Communications 12, English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

   • UFV Accuplacer Reading comprehension score of 80 or better, together with Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 5 or better on the 8-point scale.
   • UFV CPT (Composition Placement Test) — score of 41 or higher.
   • TOEFL iBT score of 80 with no section below 19.
   • Completion of any other test score or course grade listed in the Entry-level post-secondary English language proficiency standards.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that they are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be presented. A transcript showing evidence of meeting the entrance requirements will be required in order to be offered a seat.
2. Applicants who do not meet the math entrance requirement can book a testing date for the UFV trades math entrance exam online at ufv.ca/trades/entrance-exam.
3. Applicants who do not meet the English language entrance requirement will be given the opportunity to meet the English requirement through Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and/or the University Foundation certificate.
4. Read the program description and information carefully. For more information, please contact the Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or trades@ufv.ca.
5. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Automotive Technician students should also budget approximately $625 for basic hand tools, $625 for required textbooks, and $250 for appropriate working apparel.

Note: A deposit (currently $200) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester.

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 UFV official if/when the statement is required.

Dates and attendance requirements

The Automotive program starts in September and ends mid-May.

The Automotive program requires continuous attendance to successfully complete all requirements for the program. Students will be expected to attend all classes every week for the duration of the entire program.

Students must meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Location

The Automotive Service Technician program is located at the Trades & Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. The reception centre is open 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday. Classes and shops may be scheduled 8am–3pm, Monday to Friday.

Program outline

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, video clips, 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 service and repair
• Servicing engine support systems
• Servicing electrical systems

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

Apprenticeship

The Automotive Apprenticeship program is designed for people already working in the Automotive Repair Industry and registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). UFV offers all four levels of technical training. These seven-week sessions are necessary to achieve journeyperson certification along with the appropriate on-the-job training. For information call 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

Program requirements

Students must complete all requirements with a grade of 70% or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

Students who do not receive a Credit (CR) grade in all required areas by the program end date, may apply to their instructor for re-entry into the program. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and must complete all program requirements no later than the program end date of the following year. See Upgrading section for more details.

At the end of this program, successful students will be eligible to write the AST 1 Certificate of Qualification exam administered by the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

Attendance and conduct

Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Applied and Technical Studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, they will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).

Upgrading

The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques.

An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.

Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program instructor.

Readmission

Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry to the program provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is conditional based on space availability and instructor permission, and if the curriculum has not changed.

Students who are absent for more than one year will be required to apply for readmission. An application for admission form and application fee will be required.

Graduation requirements

Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year.