Automotive Service Technician Foundation, Certificate

Invest in yourself! Thirty weeks of full-time education at Camosun will help you find employment and subsequent apprenticeship for your career as an automotive service technician.

Instructor Patrick Jones with student working on an electric vehicle

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

No

Area of study

Trades Foundation

Length

30 weeks

Fundamental training

Start in February or August

The Automotive Service Technician program prepares you for entry into the automotive mechanical repair trade and provides possible accreditation towards Year 1 Apprenticeship training.

trades-auto-2

Fuelling your future

This Foundation program covers general automotive practices, fuel and electrical/electronic systems, engine performance and repair. In only 30 weeks, you will graduate with the skills and knowledge that make you highly employable within many areas of the automotive industry, including lube technician, tire repair technician, brake & muffler installer, parts person, and a broad range of other positions.

As a graduate of this program, you'll be ready to start your future employment with credit for 450 hours toward the 1,500 hours required for Level 1 AST apprenticeship.

Future Students

Information session

Learn more about Camosun's Trades Foundation programs. 

Virtual Trades Information Session

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar. 

Program outline

Automotive Service Technician Foundations students smile as they work on an genine

Current and future students

Current and future students can browse current and upcoming courses using the myCamosun course catalogue

What to expect

Located at our Interurban campus, this 30 week program is designed to prepare you for entry into the Automotive Service Technician trade. You will learn automotive tools and equipment, general automotive maintenance and practices, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, steering and suspension service, as well as engine performance and repair. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared for entry into many areas of the automotive industry, including as a lube technician, tire repair technician, brake and muffler installer, or parts person.

You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so be prepared to work outdoors regardless of the weather. You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

All trades programs have a mandatory attendance requirement. If you miss three days in a class, you may be required to withdraw from the course. (Exemptions may be made in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Dean.)

Camosun Automotive Logo.

Next up: Apprenticeship

Continue to build on your skills in your specialty and gain the practical experience necessary to become fully a qualified Red Seal journeyperson in the Motor Vehicle Trades.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program

Automotive Service Technician Foundation, Certificate

$3,270 (domestic)
 

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards 

Curriculum & courses

Admission requirements

One of:

  • C in English 11 
  • C in ENGL 058 

And one of:

  • C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11
  • COM in MATH 038 

Note: If you don't have one of the preferred math requirements the college will accept a C or higher in Foundations of Math 11 and Pre-calculus 11, or Principles of Math 11, or Applications of Math 11, or MATH 073 or MATH 137.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

Start in September or March

Program start and end dates.

Apply today

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.

For questions about the program contact 250-370-3856, tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.

Faculty/staff profile

Kyle Broad

Kyle Broad

Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades

broadk@camosun.ca
250–370–3786
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation (CTEI)
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

 Michael Bocsik

Michael Bocsik

Instructor, Automotive Service Technician Apprentice and Foundation

Faculty/staff profile

Patrick Jones

Patrick Jones

Instructor and Program Leader, Automotive Service Technician

jonesp@camosun.ca
250–370–3812
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

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James Gough

Instructor, Automotive Service Technician Apprentice and Foundation

Automotive program

Specialty programs

Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people. 

Contact information

Trades Apprenticeship Office

Campus location

Centre for Trades Education and Innovation (CTEI), room 102

Location link

Interurban Campus

250-370-3856

tradesinfo@camosun.ca


 

Admissions questions: