Automotive Service Technician Foundation Program

NVIT works with the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and Okanagan College.

This 33-week program (990 hours) takes students with little or no previous experience in the automotive repair trade and supplies them with the necessary skills to seek employment in this industry as an apprentice technician. This program introduces the students to many aspects of servicing and repair in the automotive repair trade with a focus on developing practical skills. Graduates of this program will receive 450 hours towards Automotive Service Technician Year 1 (AST 1) certification and the opportunity to write the AST 1 Certificate of Qualification exam. The AST 1 Certificate of Qualification and 1590 hours are required to proceed into AST 2.

Automotive Service Technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair vehicle systems including engines, vehicle management, hybrids, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), restraints, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight less than 5,500 kg.

The Automotive Service Technician Foundation is a 33-week (990 hour) program.

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.


• English 10: A combination of 2 of the following: English or English First Peoples -Composition 10, Creative Writing 10, Literary Studies 10, New Media 10, and Spoken Language 10.


• One of: Workplace Mathematics 10, Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus 10, an equivalent Adult Basic Education (MATH 041 from NVIT), or equivalent assessment.


• Minimum 16 years of age.

• Good physical health


• A passion for the mechanical trade

Learners will receive a certificate of completion from NVIT once they have successfully completed the  program. Graduates will also receive the Automotive Service Technician Foundation Certificate of Completion, designation with the Industry Training Authority (ITA), 450 hours towards year 1 (AST 1) certification, and the opportunity to write the AST 1 Certificate of Qualification exam. AST 1 Certificate of Qualification and 1500 hours are required to proceed into AST 2.

In partnership with School Districts, NVIT offers programs to enable students to begin post-secondary (university/college) trades and technical programs during their Grade 11 and 12 high school years. Students simultaneously work towards completing their high school diploma and post-secondary certification and earn credits at both levels – dual credits.

The Automotive Service Technician Foundation program meets the requirements of a dual credit program with affiliated School Districts.

Automotive Service Technicians can work for a motor vehicle manufacturing company, a motor vehicle dealer, or anywhere that motor vehicles are serviced, like an automotive specialty shop or a service station.

Course Listing for this program