Automotive Service Technician: Apprenticeship

Description

Get the skills that pay the bills!

In BC, an individual can become certified as an Automotive Service Technician by completing the Automotive Service Technician apprentice program.  Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide students the full scope of knowledge and applied skills necessary to perform the occupation.  Apprentices have an employer to sponsor them and are registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). 

KPU delivers in-school technical training for Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.  The in-school technical training varies for each level and is 6 to 7 weeks in duration.  Upon completion of levels 1, 2 and 3 apprentices with sufficient work-based training hours will be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) exam.  Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/auto.

The pathway to becoming a certified Automotive Service Technician generally takes 4 years to complete the in-school technical training and work-based hours.. Apprentices will be eligible to write the Red Seal Inter-provincial Examination upon successful completion of all in-school technical training and 6000 work-based hours.  The Red Seal endorsement will be awarded upon completion of all requirements and is recognized in all jurisdictions across Canada; additional information is at: red-seal.ca.

Training Schedules

KPU apprentice training schedules and waitlists are published on Kwantlen Course Search.  Additional apprenticeship training opportunities are listed on Trades Training BC; this is the hub for BC's Public Trades Training Programs & Services.

Financial Supports for Apprentices

Apprentices may be eligible for financial support for the in-class portion of their training through the EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. Application to this program must be made four to six weeks prior to the start of technical training. Information is available through WorkBC.

Apprentices must apply separately for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits no later than the last week of work, or during the first week of training, or they will not be eligible to receive EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. EI information can be obtained by visiting Service Canada.

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada. As of January 2015, apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of in-school technical training. Information is available at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre.

General Prerequisites

The following requirements apply:

• Completed KPU Apprentice Registration
• Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system.
• Valid Trade Worker Identification number from the Industry Training Authority (ITA-ID). If you do not have an ITA-ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to enrolling (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.

Note: International student enrolment requires approval of the Dean.

Curricular Requirements

Note: KPU Tech does not permit students to register in Apprenticeship Levels out of sequence.

Automotive Service Level 1 (AAST 1010)

• Safe Work Practices
• Wheels, Hubs, Tires and Bearings
• Frames and Suspension Systems
• Manual and Power Steering
• Brake Systems
• Basic Electrical and Batteries

Automotive Service Level 2 (AAST 1020)

• Gasoline Engines
• Diesel Engines
• Cooling Systems
• Exhaust Systems
• Engine Lubrication Systems
• Auxiliary Electrical
• Air Conditioning and HRAI ODS Course
• Diesel Fuel Injection Systems
• Starting Motors and Circuits
• AC Charging Systems

Automotive Service Level 3 (AAST 1030)

• Standard and Electronic Ignition Systems
• Fuel Systems
• Emission Control Systems
• Electronic Engine Controls

Automotive Service Level 4 (AAST 1040)

• Clutches, Standard Transmissions/Transaxles
• Manual Overdrive
• Test and Service Transfer Cases
• Test and Service Automatic Transmissions
• Air Care Program
• Test and Service Drive Lines
• Test and Service Drive Axles and Differentials

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate steel-toed safety shoes or boots and safety glasses.

Credential Awarded

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.