What's it like being an "Automotive Service Technician?"
 

I know I kind of copy-pasted the Collision Tech thread title, but I REALLY wanted to ask this. I have done a little searching, but I felt that the info in the other threads seemed a little outdated to me.

Basically, I've realized that my marks in school sucked a bit too much this year, taking away my option for UBC when I graduate next year. Now I'm thinking of taking my alternate choice and going into an automotive service tech program. Problem is, I'm not sure which school has the better program, or even if I should be going into the trade. I did a work experience at a dealership in November for 8 weeks (and I'm doing it again for grade 12), and I liked it.

Is there anyone working in the industry that can give me some input on good programs at school, or their general outlook on the career?

Mods, if this isn't the place to be discussing it, then I apologize in advance and would appreciate if this was moved to an appropriate section.

Should be posted in the Employment Forum

take the ACE-IT AST program next year which will give you level 1 apprenticeship if you pass,
i just passed lvl 1 ast exam, and going to be moving on to lvl 2 at vcc or bcit in january.

wanna do thousands upon thousands of brake jobs? if so, then this is your gig.

i think ast at bcit is the most comprehensive program out there. takes about 2 years to do. maybe less now.

if you like repetitive mindless things, work at a one make dealer.

if you like to tackle different things, work at a general repair shop.

the shitty part is getting your hours even after graduation from the program. be prepared to get 10-15 per hour for a while. the big money comes in when you finish your hours, get the full license and get paid flat rate.

is the bcit and vcc apprenticeship program both similar? i was told bcit is more mechanical work, while vcc is collision work. enlighten me please.

BCIT and VCC both have their own mechanic and auto collision programs. So you can take your pick in which field you wish to pursue.

I hear that VCC is the more hands-on and useful school when it comes to their automotive programs.

I've talked to friends who did the VCC program, and BCIT program. I'm doing/have done the BCIT program, myself. In terms of pay, it's going to suck a lot during your apprenticeship. Find out what you enjoy doing, because depending on where you apply, you may be working on oil changes, tuneups and brake jobs for the duration of your apprenticeship (read: dealership). Alternatively, if you work at a general repair shop, you're likely to work on some pretty shitty, rusty, piles of crap. The things that some people will fix will amaze you.

In terms of the schools, you're more likely to learn stuff that will be useful in the service field at BCIT. VCC's instructor for 2nd year likes to talk about his sailboat, while forgetting to teach for the 6 weeks.

LOL.

I AGREE...+1 LOL...

lol shit man i passed the ace-it too. who are you?

Ok, so i took Auto Toyota at BCIT. Great course by the way compared to the general course and some others. Just graduated 1-2months ago.
Have not found an apprenticeship anywhere. No where is hiring. Dropped my resume at most dealerships/service places and no reply at all. Hm, i was a Detailer at GM for over a year and applied with my managers recommendation, still no luck. Same with a couple other friends i know. The only people i know with apprenticeships are ones that were sent to school for training or live out of the city.
So yea, im just casually looking and working part time right now.
Oh theres also the fact that you need to be signed up by the company before you can apply for year two training at school, which is another 1-2year waitlist.

Things may not turn out the way you expect it to. If you finish ELTT, you'll be done First Year but that doesn't mean if you get an apprenticeship, they automatically send you for 2nd year so it's also depending on your skills, and what you know.

As for which school/program is better, I believe this has been discussed many many times. You'll have a better 'Resume Attraction' if you attend BCIT but I've also heard good stuff about VCC and the kind of experience you get from there.

Overall, learn as much as you can from wherever you're taking school, don't be afraid to ask questions since it is your benefits if you have questions.

i'm in the same situation, since we were in the same class lol
right now it really is hard to find work as an apprentice, even with good qualifications, you wont find a job if nobody wants you.

if someone wants to be an auto tech, take in mind that this is a field that is always evolving, and you will always be going to school.

there's a lot of different specified fields you can move into, such as hybrid tech which is certainly growing.

definitely recommend the toyota program at bcit. this does NOT mean that you can only work at toyota afterwards. this course is just based on toyota vehicles.

Wrong. You can take Automotive Service Technician (AST) at BCIT. In that course, you'll have work experience time with a certain company, and if you do complete it, you will have TWO years under your belt. Yes, both First and Second Year. I know many people who completed ELTT< and then took AST because apprenticeships ARE hard to find. No joke.

HAHA shit cavin, how much percent you get?

Flat Rate depends on how many good jobs come in, how many techs, and how many fast you can work. lol

He is still in highschool grade 11 so he cannot get into BCIT and stuff yet. The best thing he can do right now is the ACE-IT (Accelerated Credited Enrollment - Industry Training) This is a course for students under age of 19 that haven't graduated from highschool yet. The VSB pays for your tuition as well. You will learn and gain experience at Vancouver Community College and Britannia Secondary.

Ask your school counselor or work experience coordinator for more information.
http://www.itabc.ca/Page36.aspx


haha who are you? i got 81%

its richard ahha, wow you actually got 81%, i ended with 73%. what did you get on the final exam? i got 84/125 LOL

^ what really? i did the commerical transport eltt course at bcit and the passing grade for tests was 80%, same with the final mark, you had to get over 80% to pass.

i got 85/125.

Well for VCC its 70% to pass lol.

you apprentices are right it's really hard getting into a dealershio these days.
The best way to do it in IMO is work your way up.
We often hire on guys as LOT ATTENDENTS and in due time they got into the shop. not sure if other dealers are the same but if we take in an apprentice/tech sometimes they wont last 3 months...
we work the apprentices to the bone, no lunch breaks, crap jobs, and always having to clean up the shop

once you get to flat rate, if you work fast you can make good money...but it varies, some guys will make 6 hours one day and others can make over 13 easy