QUICK FACTS

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Credential:
Diploma

Duration:
Four semesters

Format:
Full time, Mon - Fri

How to apply

Start date:
September 2025

Location:
Trades & Technology Centre, 5579 Tyson Road, Chilliwack, BC

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

  • Learn cross-industry system control applications using 6 axis robotic arms, PLCs, motors, HMIs, pneumatics, and more
  • Learn in an advanced lab, featuring equipment from industry-leading manufacturers such as Kuka, ABB, Siemens, and others.
  • Program eligible for financial aid
  • Small class sizes: student/instructor ratio is 20:1

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The two-year Automation and Robotics diploma builds on a foundation of electronics theory. As a graduate of UFV's Automation and Robotics Technician program you will have the skills and confidence to build, maintain, calibrate and integrate automation and control systems. Program skills are applicable in a wide variety of sectors including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and the oil and gas industry.

Sample topics include:

  • Technical drafting and AutoCAD applications
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic control systems
  • Microprocessors/microcontrollers and data acquisition
  • Project management and occupational organization
  • Programmable logic controllers
  • Motors, servos, and actuators 
  • Control systems, including hands-on introduction to agricultural and manufacturing control systems
  • Automation and robotics capstone project

View course descriptions in the academic calendar

Note: Graduates of this program will be eligible to write the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia’s Professional Practice and Ethics Examination. For fees and schedule related to this examination, please view information on the ASTTBC website.

Fall semester — Year one
ELTR 100 Electrical Network Analysis (DC)* 3 credits
ELTR 105 Electrical Network Analysis: (AC)* 3 credits
ELTR 110 PCB Manufacturing Practices* 3 credits
ELTR 130 Digital Logic Systems* 3 credits
CMNS 125 Professional Communications 3 credits
  Total:  15 credits

*These courses have labs in addition to the class

Winter semester — Year one
ELTR 140 Engineering Graphics* 3 credits
ELTR 150 Semiconductor Electronic Devices* 3 credits
ELTR 160 Project Management for Electronics 3 credits
ELTR 180 Data Communications Systems* 3 credits 
ELTR 190 Electronics Capstone Project* 3 credits 
   Total:  15 credits 

*These courses have labs in addition to the class 

Fall semester — Year two
ELTR 201 Hydraulics & Pneumatics* 3 credits
ELTR 202 Microprocessors/Microcontrollers * 3 credits
ELTR 211 Programmable Logic Controllers* 3 credits
ELTR 220 Statistics for Electronics* 3 credits
ELTR 230 Electric Machines* 3 credits
  Total:  15 credits

*These courses have labs in addition to the class

Winter semester — Year two
ELTR 214 Control Systems & Sensors* 5 credits
ELTR 216 Automation & Robotics Project 3 credits
ELTR 217 Robotics* 3 credits
ELTR 252 Microcontrollers (1) 3 credits 
ELTR 261 Programmable Logic Controllers 3 credits 
   Total:  17 credits 

*These courses have labs in addition to the class 

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

Opportunities for automation and robotics technicians exist in virtually every sector, from agriculture to technology to manufacturing.

Program graduates may find a career with:

  • Manufacturers of electronic equipment
  • Telecommunication centres
  • Instrumentation service centres
  • Business equipment service centres
  • Cable companies
  • Commercial sound companies

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Automation and Robotics Entrance Requirements

QUESTIONS?

Jenna Glover
Phone: 604-847-5448
Toll free: 604-504-7441, local 5448
Email: trades@ufv.ca
Or ask online