This program consists of Foundation and Level 1 Automotive Service Technician Technical training as per SkilledTradesBC prescribed curriculum. This program meets the SkilledTradesBC prerequisite for Level 2 technical training. Automotive Service Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Red Seal program.
Automotive Service Technicians examine, test and repair the parts and systems on cars and light trucks. They often use computerized diagnostic equipment to test, adjust and repair key vehicle components such as engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions and electrical systems. The work of an Automotive Service Technician also involves reassembling and testing repaired items against manufacturers’ standards, as well as performing preventative maintenance such as wheel alignments, oil changes and tune-ups.
Successful completion of the Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program results in the student acquiring credit for Level 1 AST technical training and 450 workbased hours, and eligibility to move into Level 2 Apprenticeship training once they have a sponsor.
A Reading week included in this program will occur in the last week of February of every year (exact dates will vary).
Career Prospects
Students can find employment as Automotive Service Technicians, Automotive Dealership Service Managers, Automotive Salespersons, or Automotive Business or Dealership Owners.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek (South Peace campus) | September | Cohort |
Length
990 hours; approximately 37 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,385.80 | $ 163.26 | $ 497.85 | $ 4,046.91 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 12,167.10 | $ 163.26 | $ 497.85 | $ 828.00 | $ 13,656.21 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- trades@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
Complete either A, B, C, or D:
A. English and Math
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 10 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 037
Complete:
- ESTR 037 – Essential Skills for Trades – Intermediate Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
C. Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT)
All of:
- Reading Comprehension: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Number Operations: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Problem Solving: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Mechanical Reasoning: 51/70 (6th Stanine) or higher
Based on the results of the assessment(s), applicants may be required to participate in an assessment interview to determine admissibility. Interviews may be conducted virtually if necessary.
D. POWER
Complete:
- People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) program
Post-Admission Requirements
NLC’s South Peace campus is connected to the Dawson Creek High School – South Peace campus. Therefore Criminal Records Review Act requires that all NLC students over the age of 19 before classes begin must submit:
- A clearance letter from the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP), for a Schedule “B” Criminal Record Check (CRC), WORKS WITH children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults before beginning the program. Failure to do so and may result in program withdrawal. For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, coveralls, etc.). Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC and School District 59, 60, 81, and 87.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in ASTF 150 |
All of:
- ASTF 101 – Automotive Service Technician Foundation (910 contact hours)
- ASTF 150 – Automotive Service Technician Foundation Practicum (80 contact hours)
Credential
Certificate in Automotive Service Technician Foundation