VCC automotive service program first institution outside of the US to receive prestigious accreditation
Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) Automotive Service Technician program is now an internationally accredited training program after achieving the highest level of excellence from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. VCC becomes the first and only institution outside of the US to receive ASE accreditation.
“The Automotive Service department worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to complete stringent program evaluations,” says Michael Coard, Department Head of VCC’s Automotive Service. “I’m pleased to see our commitment to quality training and education has resulted in this important achievement. The accreditation means better automotive technicians will join the workforce, which benefits vehicle owners.”
Students looking to jumpstart their auto service career can be assured of enrolling in a VCC program that not only meets strict industry standards, but also earns them a nationally and internationally recognized trade certificate.
“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” shares Michael Coley, President of the ASE Education Foundation. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that VCC’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians.”
VCC has worked with the local automotive industry for nearly 70 years. The Automotive Service program is known for its hands-on learning environment where students work in small teams that simulate the workplace, servicing 60-80 customer vehicles each month. With 32 hoists, VCC’s automotive service shop is one of the largest garages in B.C. and features the latest diagnostic equipment and training aids.
Lucy Griffith, Acting Dean, School of Trades, Technology & Design adds, “We know that skilled trades training is in high demand in this province. It is estimated that there will be more than 6,600 job openings for automotive technicians in the next decade. The ASE accreditation is another example of how VCC is actively supporting the career goals of our students and responding to current and future workforce needs.”