The VSA's Learning Division
A primary objective of the Learning Division is to help create a respected motor vehicle sales industry and an informed and confident public through education.  This education will occur in a variety of ways and with a variety of constituencies.

The foundation for this learning is the mandatory course for all salespeople and consumer-related business staff in the motor vehicle sales industry.  This course became mandatory with the advent of the Motor Dealer Council (now VSA) on June 1, 2004.  This course recognizes that to be a motor vehicle sales industry professional, one needs to be fully grounded in the laws and regulations that apply to the industry.   Based on models found in real estate, securities, franchising, insurance and various trades and professions, this requirement acknowledges that a motor vehicle is often the first or second most expensive investment made by individuals and families.

A capsule history
Leaders of the industry created strong roots with the Motor Dealer Standards Association, established in 1999. One of the most impressive achievements of the MDSA was a determination to upgrade the professionalism of salespeople. Working with Douglas College and other educators, a two-day course was designed. By 2004 when the MDC began, more than 4,000 salespeople had gone through the certification program on a voluntary basis.  The VSA is building upon the success of those who pioneered these programs, particularly Douglas College and Okanagan College.

Current course
The Salesperson Certification Course introduces industry participants to BC’s motor vehicle legislation and its application to licensed motor vehicle dealers and salespersons. The course outlines the role of a sales professional and reviews selling and documentation responsibilities. The course design encourages a high degree of discussion and is followed by the licensing exam.

Planned Courses

A Salesperson Certification Upgrade Course for veteran professionals, most notably all those who took the original certification course under the MDSA. Again, the emphasis will be legislation and regulations governing the industry, particularly those that have changed since June 2004. The course design will encourage a high degree of participation and roll-out is planned for late fall.

Advertising Workshops. A second round of the successful province-wide workshops that followed the publication of comprehensive advertising guidelines in November 2005. The hands-on opportunity to analyze and discuss advertising practices in general, misleading or otherwise, with experienced VSA staff, media and advertising people will be expanded. Workshops are planned for early 2008.

Consumer education and awareness
Plans are underway to supplement the existing website consumer resources, enquiry line information and referrals, public service announcements and consumer outreach activities with new ways to get out the following messages:

• The value of choosing a licensed motor dealer
• The value of working with a licensed sales professional
• How to be an informed and responsible consumer
• The role of vehicle inspections and vehicle history reports

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