Automotive Service Technician (Pre-Employment)

Program Description

The 9-month Automotive Service Technician (Pre-Employment) Diploma is a provincially-accredited apprenticeship program that was developed by government and approved by the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board. The program provides students with a wide range of skills that are needed to work as a first-year apprentice, including those related to: safety, engine systems, electrical, steering, braking systems, suspension, body components, trim, restraint systems, hybrid/alternative fuel systems and many others. Most courses are designed in such a way that students spend time divided equally between the classroom and automotive shop.

Please note that due to the nature of this career, employees are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. If you have any medical concerns, please contact your admissions officer to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the occupation and to determine if you are eligible for accommodations in this program.

Apprenticeship Training

The Automotive Service Technician (Pre-Employment) program is an apprenticeship trades program. Courses completed at Academy Canada meet the requirements to become a first-year apprentice. Once this training is completed and the graduate obtains their first position in the trade, s/he must register as an Apprentice with the Department of Education. Government will then cover the costs associated with regular advanced training as the apprentice gains experience and works towards completing their Journeyperson exam. Passing this examination will result in receiving Red Seal Certification.

Program Courses

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Standard First Aid
• Safety in the Shop
• Hand Tools
• Shop Tools and Equipment
• Fasteners, Tubing and Fittings
• Service Information Systems and Trade Related Documents
• Tires, Wheels and Hubs
• Body Components, Accessories and Trim
• Suspension I
• Steering Systems
• Braking Systems I (Non-ABS)
• Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Batteries
• Drive Shafts and Axle Shafts
• Engine Principles (Gasoline and Diesel)
• Ignition Systems
• Introduction to Starting Systems
• Introduction to Charging Systems
• Introduction to Cooling Systems
• Lubrication and Fluids Servicing
• Introduction to Accessory Drive Systems
• Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Inspections (PMI)
• Hybrid Systems I
• Gaskets, Seals and Bearings
• Oxy-Fuel Welding/Cutting
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW [MIG])
• Pre-Delivery Inspection
• Math Essentials
• Automotive Service Math Fundamentals
• Communication Essentials
• Workplace Essentials
• Computer Essentials
• Introduction to Apprenticeship
• Introduction to Essential Skills

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Service Technician (Pre-Employment) program, graduates may be eligible for employment (depending on specific hiring practices) in various sectors of the automotive service industry. Opportunities also exist for self-employment.  A small sample of Academy Canada’s excellent employers include:

• Hickman Motors
• Penney Mazada
• Dodge City
• Midas Muffler
• Cabot Ford
• Canadian Tire
• City Tire
• McKinley Motors
• Affordable Towing
• Meineke Car Care Center
• Tom Woodford Ltd.
• Constantine Cylinder Head Service
• Freshwater Suzuki