As British Columbia continues its transition toward electric vehicles, Vancouver Community College (VCC) is introducing a new suite of automotive training programs designed to prepare students and current workers for careers in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
The programs, which begin rolling out this September, focus on electric and hybrid vehicle technologies and aim to help address a growing shortage of technicians qualified to service zero emission vehicles across the province.
The initiative comes as B.C. works toward its goal of having 75 per cent of new vehicle sales be zero emission by 2035. As more electric vehicles hit the road, the demand for technicians with specialized knowledge of high voltage systems, battery technology and EV diagnostics continues to grow.
According to VCC, the new programs were developed in collaboration with automotive industry partners to ensure graduates are equipped with skills employers are actively seeking.
Those partnerships included working with CanEV to develop the Electric Vehicle Conversion microcredential and collaborating with Best Buy on the first term of the Automotive Electronics Repair certificate. VCC also consulted members of its Program Advisory Committee, a group of industry representatives who help ensure programs remain relevant to current and future workforce needs, while experienced industry instructors played a key role in designing and delivering the curriculum.
“Now is an exciting time to be working in the automotive industry as we’re seeing a huge expansion in the roles and skills needed within the field,” said Brett Griffiths, Dean of Trades, Technology and Design at VCC. “VCC partnered closely with industry to develop these programs. This has ensured our automotive training gives students hands-on experience and industry connections, helping them enter a field with strong future job prospects.”
Students will learn practical skills including servicing high voltage battery systems, repairing electric vehicle traction motors, working with current environmental standards, and managing parts for both conventional and electric vehicles.
The new offerings are available to students entering the automotive field as well as experienced technicians looking to upgrade their skills or transition into electric vehicle servicing. Programs range from a two year diploma to shorter microcredentials that allow learners to gain specialized skills in areas such as electric vehicle conversion.
The new programs include:
• Automotive Electronics Repair Certificate
• Automotive Logistics and Service Operations – Zero Emissions Diploma
• Electric Vehicle Conversion Microcredential
• Zero Emissions Vehicle Service and Technology Microcredential
Looking ahead, VCC is also expanding its Broadway Campus with the new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation, scheduled to open in 2027. The facility will provide students with access to modern equipment and training spaces designed to support the next generation of automotive technology.
With enrolment already open and many programs beginning in September, VCC says the initiative will help strengthen
B.C.’s automotive workforce while supporting the province’s long term shift toward cleaner transportation.
Learn more at vcc.ca/clean-energy
