Love working on cars?
If you love cars, the Auto Tech program is a great start toward a career as an automotive service technician.
You'll start at Esquimalt High School for 13 weeks of in-class theory and practical hands-on learning in the auto shop. For the final seven weeks, you'll be at Camosun College for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training.
The program also includes 120 hours of work experience.
A 3-part program
This full-time dual credit program runs in the second semester (Feb-June) for a maximum of 18 students at Esquimalt High School. You'll earn high school and college credits at the same time with all tuition being sponsored by your school district.
This is open to all students in SD 61, 62, & 63 with the understanding that students will relocate to Esquimalt High School for one semester.
Part 1: at Esquimalt High School, with an Esquimalt High teacher
- Monday-Friday, February to May (13 weeks, not including spring break)
- Each day you'll spend some time in the classroom, as well as time in the shop learning and practicing your hands-on skills. You'll learn:
- safe shop and employment practices
- automotive theory, hands-on knowledge and study skills
- skills required to be hired and employed within the automotive industry
Part 2: 120 hours work experience
- Before you begin the Camosun portion of this program, you will need to complete a total of 120 hours of relevant work experience. This can be done prior to starting the program, or it can be accomplished in two stages:
- At least 40 hours before your first day of class in February.
- 80 hours during the March spring break.
Part 3: at Camosun College, with a Camosun instructor
- Monday-Friday, May to July (7 weeks)
- Through classroom and shop experience, you'll complete the apprenticeship technical training. When you're finished, you'll be eligible to write the provincial exam to earn your Automotive Service Technician Level 1 Certificate of Qualification.
Costs
Your tuition will be paid by the school district, but you are responsible for the application fee and for purchasing personal safety gear and supplies.
This includes steel-toed shoes, appropriate work clothing and about $450 for textbooks.
Getting started
To be successful in this program:
- your math and English skills should be at the grade 11 level or higher
- you should enjoy problem solving and working with your hands
- you should be a good team player, and also able to work independently
You may apply for this program if you:
- are currently in grade 11 or 12
- will be able to complete at least 40 hours of relevant work experience (paid or unpaid) prior to the start of the program
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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