Full-time Programs

- Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Program

Program Entry

N/A

Highlights

• Earn as you learn as a paid apprentice. 
• Put your problem-solving skills to work in the classroom and on the job. 
• The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) pays most of the bill. 
• Entry-level salaries for a certified technician (after passing the MTCU Certificate of Qualification exam) start at $35,000 or more.

Career Opportunities

With baby boomers retiring, Canada is experiencing an increased need for skilled tradespeople, including automotive service technicians. Graduates may work in service centres, dealerships, parts and service centres, or as insurance adjustors.

Program Description

Loyalist offers classroom instruction and hands-on shop experience to train bright, hard-working students to step into the expanding opportunities for automotive service technicians. Apprenticeship is a systematic program of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction operated through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Under the direction of the College, the apprentice becomes fully familiar with the materials, tools, principles and skills required in the trade of their choice. The automotive apprenticeship program will typically require three to five years to complete. During that time, the apprentice works for an employer who accepts responsibility for the apprentice receiving proper instruction in all aspects of the trade. 

This complete training program of up to 9,000 hours consists primarily of on-the-job training. Part of the apprenticeship agreement will have the employer grant the apprentice time away from the workplace to attend three, eight-week in-school sessions, or three one day a week sessions for eight consecutive months – which are taken at Loyalist. Before this in-school training begins, prospective students must find an employer who is willing to train them as an apprentice. The regional Apprenticeship office arranges scheduling and registration of apprenticeships, and may have a list of interested employers. 

Loyalist’s program is offered in three stages: Automotive Service Technician Levels I, II, and III. Once the student has successfully completed all three program levels and at least 6,500 hours of on-the-job training, he or she can write a Ministry examination. Upon successful completion of this exam, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Program Development and Standards Unit, will recognize the candidate with a Certificate of Qualification.

Approximate Cost

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities pays most of the costs of apprenticeship. Students are responsible for a fee of approximately $400. Other additional costs for items such as hoist certification training, Ozone Depletion Potential Certification apply at certain levels. Book costs are approximately $200. (per level)

Admission Requirements

Apprenticeship training is currently available in more than 100 construction, motive power service and industrial trades, and Early Childhood Education. Anyone 16 years of age or over who has acquired a Grade 12 or equivalent level of education can apply. Anyone who does not have a Grade 12 diploma may obtain this qualification through night school or through correspondence courses. 

Information concerning qualification requirements leading to certification can be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Program Development and Standards Unit, Mowat Block, 625 Church St., Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2B5, (416) 326-5800. Information is also 
available from the following regional offices:

Belleville (613) 968-5558
Kingston (613) 545-4338
Pickering (905) 837-7721
Peterborough (705) 745-1918

Curriculum