British Columbia’s Vancouver Community College’s automotive programs are getting a significant boost as the school received nearly $200,000 in electric vehicles, diagnostic equipment, and professional-grade tools from NAPA Auto Parts.

The contribution arrives at a pivotal moment for both the college and the industry, as VCC prepares to expand its training capacity and align more closely with the rapidly changing vehicle technology landscape.

The donation includes a 2021 Tesla Model 3, 2019 Nissan Leaf, and 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, along with toolboxes and high-end Autel diagnostic equipment—assets that will immediately enhance hands-on training for students.

“I know the value of education in automotive trades,” said Yves Racette, Director NAPA High Voltage/NexDrive Program development at UAP Inc. at an event announcing the donation.

“That’s why we are so excited to support VCC students with this donation. The industry is quickly changing and if students can stay ahead of the curve by working on new cars with the latest tools, there is a lot of opportunity for them on the horizon.”

Strengthening a Well-Established Training Pipeline

VCC has long been one of Western Canada’s major training hubs for automotive trades. Its Automotive Service Technician (AST) and Automotive Collision & Refinishing programs serve hundreds of apprentices and foundation-level students each year. Programs blend classroom theory with intensive shop-floor experience, preparing graduates for independent service facilities, dealership roles, and specialized repair environments.

The school is also known for its strong employer partnerships, which support curriculum development, equipment modernization, and early career opportunities for apprentices. The NAPA donation builds on this tradition while helping students gain real-world familiarity with EV systems—an area of rapid growth for both repair shops and training institutions.

Preparing for the New Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation

VCC’s automotive programs will eventually transition to the college’s new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation (CCEAI), currently in development.

The new facility is designed to reflect the future of vehicle service—integrating electrification, diagnostics, ADAS calibration, and emerging clean-energy technologies into core training.

“The auto industry is undergoing a big shift with a generation of workers retiring and new technology replacing older vehicles,” said Brett Griffiths, VCC Dean of Trades, Technology and Design. “That’s why we are grateful to build partnerships with companies like NAPA Auto Parts—they’re at the forefront of advances in technology and tools, and a donation like this shows the pipeline from classroom to industry that VCC offers.”

CLICK For more information on VCC’s Automotive Trade Programs