Pre-Employment Automotive Service Technician

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus)

If you’re looking for an alternative pathway into the automotive repair industry, our 12-week Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician program is your key.

This program provides a condensed and focused curriculum to quickly prepare you for a career in automotive repair.

As a student, you will:

learn how to perform routine maintenance tasks to keep vehicles running smoothly
gain the ability to identify common issues in vehicles and perform initial diagnostic procedures to pinpoint problems
learn the basics of repairing cars and light-duty trucks, setting a solid foundation for more advanced repair work in the future
get hands-on practice using state-of-the-art tools and equipment
learn safe working practices and how to use tools and equipment effectively
gain expertise in wheel alignments, which are essential for vehicle stability and tire wear
learn about suspension and steering
learn how to service and repair braking systems
learn the basics of electrical work in automotive repair.

You’ll also have the valuable opportunity to work in an operational shop as an automotive service technician.

Enrolling in our Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician program gives you a strong foundation, hands-on experience, and the skills necessary to kickstart your career.

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those working as automotive service technicians tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

good hearing, eyesight and manual dexterity
mechanical aptitude and interest
a working knowledge of electricity, electronics and computers
customer service skills
a driver’s license.

You should enjoy performing tasks requiring precision, working independently and with your hands.

Academic path

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Automotive Service Technician curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Credential

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician certificate.

Program length

12 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time.

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades (72020)
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (72410)
Electrical mechanics (72422)
Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics (72423)
Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers (74203)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, and
one Grade 11 Science.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside of Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Pre-Employment Automotive Service certificate requires 12 credits (four courses) to complete.

Required courses

ELTR 200 - Automotive Electrical 1.5 Credits
MOTR 202 - Automotive Related Subjects 1.5 Credits
MOTR 220 - Automotive Shop I 6 Credits
MOTR 221 - Automotive Theory IA 3 Credits

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Although not a requirement, you will have more success finding employment if you hold a driver’s licence.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

CSA-approved steel-toe boots, safety glasses and coveralls are required on the first day of class.

Transportation program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Transportation.

Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca