Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service
Turn your love of motors and machines into a satisfying and lucrative career thanks to Northern’s Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service diploma. The Automotive Service Technician is part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program - the national standard for the trade across Canada.
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Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Delivery
Full - Time
Duration
2 years
Length
4 Semesters
Program Codes
T110 (PC) - Timmins Campus
DESCRIPTION
Turn your love of motors and machines into a satisfying and lucrative career thanks to Northern’s Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service diploma. The Automotive Service Technician is part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program - the national standard for the trade across Canada.
This two-year hands-on program will lay the foundation you need to keep vehicles on the road. Not only will you earn a college diploma, but you will also receive credit for all three levels of the apprenticeship in-school training. This means that once you graduate from Northern College and secure an apprenticeship, you are not required to take time off work to complete the theoretical training, which is typically 3 eight-week blocks over three years. Many employers prefer diploma program graduates, as these apprentices do not need to be released for the mandatory apprenticeship training. Shop owners get to keep growing their business and you get to keep working!
This program also incorporates a 10-Week Placement which provides a valuable opportunity for you to experience a workplace setting firsthand while providing a realistic and practical method of career education. The placement can be viewed as a detailed practical job interview, which may result in a permanent full-time apprenticeship.
An Automotive Service Technician performs preventative maintenance, diagnoses problems and repairs vehicle systems in cars and light trucks. Specifically, they diagnose and repair:
- engines, transmissions, clutches, rear ends, differentials, brakes, drive shafts and axles
- suspension systems, including wheel alignment and steering systems
- ignition, charging and starting systems, wiring and other electrical/electronic systems
- fuel and engine management systems
- air-conditioning and heating systems
Program Outline | March 2024
Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this program may find employment in the motor vehicle industry as a trainee or as an apprentice mechanic. Graduates may also work as a technical service advisor, service manager, parts/salesperson, or an insurance adjuster.
- Automotive service technician
- Employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, service stations, automotive specialty shops, and retail establishments with automotive service shops.
VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Analyze, diagnose, and solve various motive power system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.
- Diagnose and repair climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair engine systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair electrical, electronic, personal safety, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.
- Apply knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and analysis of motive power systems and subsystems.
- Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards.
- Use information technology and computer skills to support work in a motive power environment.
- Prepare, support, maintain, and communicate data from log, record, and documentation systems.
- Apply business practices, project management skills, and communication skills to improve customer service.
- Assist in quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures.
- Develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships.
- Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles
Program Outline | March 2024
Disclaimer: Information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Content of programs and courses are revised as needed and/or required. Program outlines and information are subject to changes and may be delivered in different or alternate ways then listed in this document. You are advised to always reach out to Northern College if you have questions related to content on the website or outline publications.
Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service
PROGRAM COURSES
The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the program. Programs at Northern College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities.
| Semester 1 | Semester 1 | Hours | |
Source: https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/Motive-Power-Technician-Automotive-Service-2024.pdf