Program Overview

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Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

Two semesters

Start Date(s)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

Domestic Students

CIP Code

52.1907

Find your career

Discover a range of opportunities available in the diverse motive power industry and kickstart your career.

• Work with industry tools in Loyalist’s automotive labs and learn from industry experts, gaining fundamental skills to launch your career.
• Completing this one-year certificate program equips you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to start your career in the motive power industry, working as parts and counter personnel, pursuing further study, or seeking out an apprenticeship.
• Graduates work with dealerships, manufacturers, service and repair shops, parts distributors, retail stores, wholesalers, insurance appraisers and adjustors, and manufacturing plants for automotive-related items.

Our grads get great jobs

• Auto Parts Counter Person, Benson Auto Parts
• Apprentice Technician, Boyer Kia
• Service Writer, Canadian Tire
• Automotive Technician, JFP Automotive Inc.
• Automotive Technician, Heninger Toyota
• Automotive Apprentice, Ford Canada
• Counter Person, CarQuest
• Vehicle Sales Associate, Belleville Toyota

Is it for you?

You love cars. But do you want to do this for a living? People who succeed in this program:

• Have often grown-up taking things apart and putting them back together.
• Enjoy troubleshooting and solving problems.
• Have a good background in math.
• Are curious about how vehicles operate.
• May be interested in entrepreneurship and running their own business.
• Are adaptable and enjoy learning about new and evolving technologies.
• Possess good interpersonal skills and are interested in delivering a positive customer experience.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Get a hands-on education that will prepare you for this trade:

• Learn by doing in Loyalist’s state-of-the-art The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre.
• Develop fundamental skills by practising on real vehicles and vehicle components in a safe learning environment.
• Gain practical knowledge of safe environmental practices.
• Get experience working with various types of engines.
• Enjoy potential extracurricular opportunities including the Show and Shine event, Drive to Survive, Santa Claus parade, Heels on Wheels, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
• Selected parts of the course content mirrors that of the three levels of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

Learn with an experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty team:

• Professors are licensed Automotive Technicians recognized and in good standing with the Skilled Trades Ontario, with experience teaching high school and college automotive programs.
• The program coordinator has been recognized with Outstanding Achievement Awards from the Canadian Auto Workers and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs.

Courses

Semester One

AMST1026 Applied Work Practices 1

Students learn safe shop practices, housekeeping skills and related environmental practices, as well as basic working knowledge of recommended trade information resources, tools, air conditioning, hydraulics and welding.

Co-requisite: AMST 1027

COMP1009 Computer Skills

This course will offer students basic computer skills relating to operations of a personal computer, as well as standard software programs used across the automotive industry. The basics of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Internet Explorer, will all be explored this semester.

AMST1028 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel Basics

Students develop a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of electrical system circuits and components, batteries, starting systems, charging systems, wiring diagrams, fuel diesel, exhaust and emission systems.

AMST1027 Engine Systems 1

Students gain a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of internal combustion engine assemblies, sealants, lubrication systems, and cooling systems.

Co-requisite: AMST 1026

COMM1013 Interpersonal Skills

The demonstration of cross-counter customer relations, presentations, explanations and interpretations of estimates and work orders are an essential component of this course.

MATH1046 Trade Calculations

Mathematics is designed to review and enhance the student's basic math skills. Students will be discouraged from using calculators and encouraged to use their own abilities to make calculations and solve problems in the areas of fractions, decimals, metric, ratio and percent.

Semester Two

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

AMST1031 Electronics and Fuel 1

Students develop a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of electrical system circuits and components, batteries, wiring diagrams, fuel diesel, exhaust and emission systems.

Prerequisite: AMST 1028

AMST1029 Gear Trains 1

Students demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of train components, clutches, transmissions and drive line units.

Prerequisite: AMST 1026

AMST1007 Parts/Supplies

Students are encouraged to use open dialogue around issues faced on the job. Areas of focus will include: working as a team, communication with other departments, working with difficult managers and co-workers, and making opportunities for advancement.

AMST1030 Suspension, Steering & Brakes1

Students demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension, steering and hydraulic and air brake systems.

Prerequisite: AMST 1026

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

*Courses subject to change.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
• Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

• Mature applicant

Recommended academic preparation

• Grade 12 Math

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

Costs

Domestic students

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)

• Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
• Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
• Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Schulich Builders

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program.

Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year:

• Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
• Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs

Learn more and apply today!

Further study

Pursue an apprenticeship

The fundamental skills and experience you receive may make it easier for you to market yourself to employers willing to take you on as an apprentice. Learn more about apprenticeships, including Loyalist’s Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship.

Pathways and transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a diploma in as little as a year or explore pathway opportunities.

Related programs

Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship

Get on the road to success! The fast-paced, ever-changing automotive trade could be the perfect career for you. Register as an apprentice and complete your in-class training at Loyalist.

Electrical Techniques

As our dependence on electricity grows, so too does the demand for skilled electrical workers. During this one-year program, gain foundational skills in electrical principles and building construction wiring.

Welding Techniques

The precision work of welders and fabricators holds up bridges and delivers miners safely underground. Gain foundational skills in welding, fabrication, detailing and millwrighting that can be used across the country, from coast to coast, in virtually any industry.