Overview
Automotive technicians repair and test motor vehicles. They disassemble, inspect and assemble engines and accessories, cooling systems, transmissions and clutches, drive lines, braking and suspension systems. Automotive technicians employ logic and deductive reasoning in diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical as well as electrical/electronic vehicle systems.
The program
This 30 week entry-level program provides you with the basic knowledge and practical skills needed for entry into the automotive industry. As a graduate, you could pursue a career as a general repair technician or choose to specialize in one of the varied career paths that have emerged within the industry. You will also receive credit for your first level of Automotive Service Technician apprentice training from SkilledTradesBC and 450 hours credit towards your time in trade.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 10 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Note: This program is also offered in a high school setting. Applicants who will be attending at a high school site will be required to undergo a criminal record check. Contact your local police department to obtain the appropriate forms. Please be aware that the outcome of the criminal record check may influence your acceptability at this site.
Recommended for success
High school graduation is recommended by SkilledTradesBC. Please refer to the SkilledTradesBC website for current apprenticeship prerequisite information.
A driver’s licence is not required to enter the program. However, it is strongly recommended in order to move vehicles in and out of the shops.
Potential students with medical or physical disabilities should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963 (telephone interview is acceptable for out of town applicants).
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs
designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
February, April, and July each year.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
$615 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
CSA approved safety glasses and footwear required. Footwear must be steel-toed, leather, ankle covering boots.
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Courses
Class hours
0730–1400, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO 1500 | Workplace Safety | 2.0 | |
| AUTO 1501 | Employment Readiness | 2.0 | |
| AUTO 1502 | Tools and Equipment | 4.0 | |
| AUTO 1503 | Electrical and Electronic Systems | 9.0 | |
| AUTO 1504 | Wheels, Hubs, and Tires | 5.0 | |
| AUTO 1505 | Welding | 2.0 | |
| AUTO 1506 | Brake Systems | 8.0 | |
| AUTO 1507 | Suspension Systems | 6.0 | |
| AUTO 1508 | Steering Systems | 8.0 | |
| AUTO 1509 | Principles of Internal Combustion Engines | 4.0 | |
| AUTO 1510 | General Automotive Maintenance | 8.0 | |
| AUTO 1512 | Driveshafts and Axles | 2.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 60.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
30 weeks, full-time
Grading
All of the following conditions must be achieved in order to successfully complete the program:
- Minimum passing grade of 70% is required in each course
- All courses must be passed
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.
Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Employment is found with local service stations, dealerships, and chains of specialty repair shops. A typical career path involves starting as a trainee until an apprenticeship becomes available.
Salaries
The median salary for our graduates is in the range of $2,000 per month. Graduates who go on to complete their apprenticeship training may earn approximately $50,000 per year. Graduates can aspire to top industry positions with salaries in the $60,000-plus range per year.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.