The British Columbia Institute of Technology reminds automotive service providers in British Columbia that co-op students will soon be available for hiring.

Hiring takes place in February and March for the April to September term, and in August and September for the October to March term.

In light of labour shortages in the automotive service industry, recruiting co-op students or apprentices who have undergone automotive program training can provide a steady supply of skilled and dedicated workers to maintain smooth operations in the shop.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers the Automotive Service Technician and Operations (ASTO) Co-op Program, a two-year diploma program that provides in-depth training of all four technical training levels required for Automotive Service Technician certification.

In addition to repair and diagnostic training, students are equipped with a fundamental understanding of automotive science and business operations, allowing graduates to pursue various positions throughout the automotive service industry, including technicians, service advising, parts and management.

What is Co-op?

Co-op is an academic work experience course, where students work within their area of study, using their educational training within an industry setting. Co-op is a partnership between BCIT and the employer, to provide students with meaningful work experience.

The ASTO program includes two co-op work terms where students are embedded within a shop environment, working alongside trained technicians to put their training to good use.

Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring co-op students for your shop:

• Attract top technicians to your shop before they graduate
• Fill short-term hiring needs easily and quickly
• Co-op students are available to work throughout the entire year, contributing to a stable workforce
• Mentor the next generation of technicians to support their success in the trade
• Contribute your perspective to ensure the program is responding to industry needs

CO-OP

• A work experience course that students are registered in as a part of their diploma requirements
• Students are evaluated on their work performance for grades, and BCIT is the student’s SkilledTradesBC sponsor
• The Co-op team supports automotive employers in hiring, supervising and mentoring BCIT students
• Students receive more training time at 12 weeks per level
• Front loads SkilledTradesBC Technical Training in 2 years
• Students receive health benefits through BCIT

APPRENTICESHIP

• Students complete work hours independent from BCIT
• Students are not being evaluated by BCIT on their work performance and the employer is the SkilledTradesBC sponsor
• There are no supports with hiring or supervising students
• Students receive less training time at 7 weeks per level
• SkilledTradesBC Technical Training is spread out over 4 years
• Students receive health benefits through the employer

What can ASTO students do?

• Perform general automotive maintenance
• Service wheels, brakes, suspension, steering systems
• Perform basic electrical diagnosis
• Engage in customer relations and business operations
• Perform electrical and mechanical: engine, transmission, fuel and emission systems
  service & repair (Co-op 2)

Why hire a Co-op student?

• Attract top technicians to your shop before they graduate
• Fill short-term hiring needs easily and quickly
• Co-op students are available to work throughout the entire year, contributing to a stable workforce
• Mentor the next generation of technicians to support their success in the trade
• Contribute your perspective to ensure the program is responding to industry needs

For more information on hiring BCIT’s ASTO co-op students, please contact the ASTO Co-op Coordinator Jacqueline Craig:
Jacqueline_craig@bcit.ca, 778-928-2627