Automotive Service Technician

Program Overview

If you enjoy working on cars and trucks, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Automotive Service Technician program can fast-track you into a career. In less than a year, you could be working as a technician in an automotive shop, car and truck dealership, specialty shop, service station or transportation company.

You’ll need good problem-solving skills, mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. At the end of the program, you’ll have transferable skills you can apply to other trades, including agricultural machinery technician, heavy duty equipment technician, truck and transport mechanic.

Automotive Service Technician is a one-year certificate program offered in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. You’ll learn how to diagnose, repair, service and maintain advanced mechanical and electrical systems in today’s vehicles. Get practical, hands-on training in:

body and trim
brakes and chassis
charging, ignition and starting systems
clutches and drive lines
electronics and electrical systems
engine repair and rebuilding
fuel and emission systems
general shop procedures

Learn in Well-Equipped Shops

Learn from highly trained instructors in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s well-equipped automotive shops. You’ll work on real vehicles donated by local dealers and other sources. You’ll use industry-leading diagnostic and servicing equipment, including tools unique to specific manufacturers. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the kind of practical, hands-on training and experience you will need.

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate, look for jobs as an apprentice technician in an automotive shop or service station, in the service or warranty department of vehicle dealerships, in engine machine shops and engine building plants. You could work for a public transit agency, a transportation company or a large company that maintains a fleet of vehicles.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Automotive Service Technician	Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers (7321)	$35,200 - $78,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length:

36 weeks

Locations

Moose Jaw
Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
English Language Requirement

Note

Applicants should be physically mobile, capable of moderate lifting and have good manual dexterity.
A valid driver's license is a requirement in order to operate and road test motor vehicles.

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
247 Reading
241 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$7,350

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ATBD 100

Body Components, Accessories and Trim

Your studies will help you develop skills in adjustment and replacement of vehicle body components, accessories and trim.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): ATMC 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

BRAK 117

Braking Systems 1 (Non-ABS)

The course covers the operation, diagnosis and repair of braking system hydraulic components.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

BRAK 118

Braking Systems 2 (Non-ABS)

Your studies will help you develop the skills to evaluate and repair drum brakes, disc brakes and park brake systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

BRAK 119

Braking Systems 3 (ABS)

You will gain an understanding of the operation, diagnosis and repair of anti-lock brake, traction control and stability control systems. You will examine the evaluation and repair of tire pressure monitor systems.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

COMM 127

Fundamental Communication Skills

You will use fundamental employability skills related to obtaining and keeping a job. You will apply skills to work effectively with others and produce job-related documents. You will identify employability and practical skills to prepare effective job search materials and discuss the effect of attitudes and behaviours on a successful job search.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127A, COMM 127CE, COMM 187, COMM 191, COMM 193, JOBS 190, PROF 100, TCOM 102, TCOM 105, TCOM 120, TCOM 140
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery

DRTR 110

Driveline Systems

You will learn operation, diagnosis and repair of wheels, tires, bearings, seals, driveshafts and axles. The course content includes the evaluation and repair of tire pressure monitor systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ELCT 106

Electrical Systems 1

You will learn the operation, diagnosis and repair electrical circuits and components.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ELCT 107

Electrical Systems 2

Building on the skills developed in Electrical Systems 1 you will examine the operation, diagnosis and repair of computer control systems and batteries.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ELCT 108

Starting, Charging, Lighting and Wipers

You will become familiar with the operation, diagnosis and repair of starting, charging, lighting, and wiper systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGN 125

Engine Systems 1

You will gain an understanding of the types of engines and the operation, diagnosis and repair of engine systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGN 126

Engine Systems 2

Your studies will help you develop skills in evaluating the operation, diagnosis and repair of engine assemblies.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGN 127

Engine Systems 3

The course focuses on the diagnosis, repair and replacement of engine assemblies.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FUEL 102

Introduction to Fuel and Ignition Systems

You will be introduced to the basic operation, diagnosis and repair of gasoline fuel injection and ignition systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MAIN 108

Vehicle Inspection, Apprenticeship and Mentoring

You will identify and perform periodic vehicle maintenance while following recommended maintenance schedules for vehicle fluids, steering, suspension, brakes, exhaust systems including the inspection of lights, tires, wiper/washers and leaks. You will discuss the apprenticeship and mentoring programs.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MATH 169

Trade Mathematics

You will learn mathematical concepts commonly used in your trade. After reviewing basic arithmetic and basic equations, you will solve various algebra problems as applied to your trade. You will perform Imperial and Metric conversions, and calculate the perimeter, area and volume of many common shapes, as well as use Pythagorean theorem.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MATH 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

SAFE 103

Automotive Shop Safety

The course focuses on shop safety precautions and procedures used in the automotive service trade.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SHOP 109

Automotive Shop Fundamentals

You will become familiar with occupation related tools, equipment and road test procedures. You will gain an understanding of trade related documents.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

STER 106

Steering and Suspension 1

You will be introduced to the operation, diagnosis and repair of suspension and steering systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

STER 107

Steering and Suspension 2

You will learn the operation, diagnosis and repair of steering gears and columns. Your studies will help you acquire knowledge and skills in wheel alignment principles and procedures.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TRNM 109

Final Drive Assemblies

The course focuses on the operation, diagnosis and repair of final drive assemblies.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TRNM 110

Clutches and Transmissions Part 1

You will examine the operation, diagnosis and repair of clutch assemblies. The course also combines the removal and replacement of manual transmissions.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TRNM 111

Clutches and Transmissions Part 2

Your studies will focus on the maintenance procedures for transmissions, transaxles, transfer case and differentials. You will develop skills in removal and installation of automatic transmissions.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Note: Classroom time will include demonstrations and shop work.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships