Program Overview

Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

Other

Start Date(s)

Other

Locations

Belleville

On this page:

Find your career

The demand for licensed technicians has increased with many professionals in this trade approaching retirement. Automotive technicians work at dealerships, independent garages, fleet operations, and as entrepreneurs. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of vehicles by:

• Identifying issues using diagnostic tools and equipment.
• Repairing or replacing faulty parts, such as brakes, engine components, and other critical systems.
• Performing routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks.

Our grads get great jobs

• Automotive Service Technician, Kingston Hyundai
• Owner and Operator, JFP Automotive Inc., Belleville
• Owner and Operator, Wilson Specialized Tune Up Ltd.

Is it for you?

Students come to this program from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common are:

• A strong work ethic.
• Patience.
• A knack for problem-solving.
• Curiosity.
• A passion for cars and trucks and things that go.

How you'll learn

Learn while you earn, with on-the-job training and education.

• To become an apprentice, you must register with Skilled Trades Ontario and work for an employer who accepts full responsibility for your instruction in all aspects of the trade. Your in-class learning is completed at Loyalist.
• Once you are employed and signed on as an apprentice, you will be notified when in-school training is available.
• Your apprenticeship requirements include completing a skillset book, 6,500 hours of on-the-job training, and three levels of in-school training for a total of 720 hours.
• You can attend three full-time blocks of training, each eight weeks long, or study at Loyalist one day per week to complete your three levels.
• Learning combines classroom instruction and practical theory labs. Put your knowledge to the test in state-of-the-art service bays.
• During your apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge from Loyalist to real-world experiences with your employer. In the classroom, you can discuss and clarify any workplace issues.

Available start dates include:

• Day release: August
• Block release: August, October, January, and March

Courses

To learn more about the required training for each in-class level, view the Skilled Trades Ontario Curriculum Training Standard.

Level I

• AST | Work Practices | 32.0
• AST | Electrical, Electronics, and Emission Systems I | 96.0
• AST | Drive Train Systems I | 32.0
• AST | Engine Systems I | 40.0
• AST | Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems I | 40.0 | | 240 hours

Level II

• AST | Air Conditioning Systems | 32.0
• AST | Electrical, Electronics, and Emission Systems II | 96.0
• AST | Drive Train Systems II | 32.0
• AST | Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems II | 40.0
• AST | Engine Systems II | 40.0 | | 240 hours

Level III

• AST | Applied Work Practices | 32.0
• AST | Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems III | 40.0
• AST | Electrical, Electronics, and Emission Systems III | 96.0
• AST | Engine Systems III | 40.0
• AST | Drive Train Systems III | 32.0 | | 240 hours

*Courses subject to change.

Admission requirements

This program is only open to registered apprentices.

• You can complete your studies while you continue to work as an apprentice registered with Skilled Trades Ontario. You and your employer must enter into a contract representing your employer’s willingness to support you through this certificate.
• You must be at least 16 years old and have completed Grade 12 or the equivalent (GED or ACE).
• Early registration as an apprentice is possible through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program; please contact your local school board for more information.
• Information about qualification requirements leading to certification is available on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

Recommended academic preparation

Math, science, and English. High school courses in automotive mechanics would be an asset.

How much will it cost?

Costs

• Earn while you learn. You will receive a paycheque from your employer/sponsor for your on-the-job training.
• The province pays most of the in-class costs of apprenticeship training. Skilled Trades Ontario will forward information about schooling and costs once you are registered.
• If you enrol in the block release in-class program, you may be eligible for employment insurance (EI) to cover your time away from work.

Further study

• With your Apprenticeship Completion Certificate from Loyalist and completion of at least 6,500 hours of on-the-job training, you will be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification to become a licensed Automotive Service Technician.
• For more information on the Certificate of Qualification, visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website or contact them toll-free.
• Several universities and colleges will provide credit recognition for your studies at Loyalist. Explore our available transfer agreements.

Resources for new and current students

Find information about your classes, campus, students services, and more in the myLoyalist portal and on the Life at Loyalist page.

Some useful links include:

• New student checklist
• Student support services
• Belleville campus directions and parking
• Paying for college
• Inclement weather

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