Train for a career in the fast-paced and ever-changing automotive field with expertise that can be applied to motive power trades such as heavy equipment, small engine, marine, power sport, truck and coach and agricultural technician.
Find your career
Motive power tradespeople possess refined knowledge, diagnostic abilities and business management skills.
- A one-year certificate prepares you for a career as parts and counter personnel.
- A two-year diploma prepares you for a technical position, and provides the practical training to manage a small business or franchise.
- 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.
- Activities may include repairs, writing customer service orders, sales, customer relations, parts counter service, warranty claim processing, supervision and insurance appraisal.
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
- Like to know how things work
Experiential learning
Get a hands-on education that will prepare you for this trade:
- Learn by doing in Loyalist’s new state-of-the-art Bay of Quinte Skills Centre.
- Practise your skills on real vehicles and vehicle components in a safe learning environment.
- Gain practical knowledge of safe environmental practises and small business management.
- Enjoy extracurricular opportunities including the annual Show and Shine event, Drive to Survive, Santa Claus parade, Heels on Wheels, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
- SEMA has invited Loyalist students to participate in its student placement program for the past several years – the only College Automotive program in Canada to participate in the program.
- 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.
- 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.
- First Year - Semester One
- AMST1026 Applied Work Practices 1
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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
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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.
- First Year - 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
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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.
- Second Year - Semester Three
- AMST2013 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel 2
-
Instruction will be given in the following areas: electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams, test equipment, cranking and charging systems, ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, emission controls and engine management. The electrical, electronics and fuel systems module is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams and applied test equipment, electronics definitions, fundamentals and applied test equipment, cranking systems and control circuits, charging systems and control circuits, engine management/ignition systems, engine management/fuel characteristics, carburetor and intake manifold heating systems, engine management/gasoline electronic fuel injection systems, and engine management/emission control systems.
Prerequisite: AMST 1031
- AMST2012 Engine Systems 2
-
Instruction will be given in the following areas: internal combustion engine definitions and fundamentals, cylinder head and valve train assemblies and components. Applied work practices and procedures are designed to demonstrate a working knowledge of cylinder head and valve train assemblies and components. Students will also learn about the construction, operating principals, testing and servicing of engine component failure diagnosis and reconditioning, superchargers, turbochargers, controls and operation.
Prerequisite: AMST 1027
- AMST2011 Gear Trains 2
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Instruction will be given in the following areas: clutches and controls, manual trans-axles and differentials and automatic transmissions. Instruction in motive power gear trains is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of manual trans-axles, differentials and axle assemblies and automatic transmissions.
Prerequisite: AMST 1029
- BUSI2007 Small Business Management
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Students learn a working knowledge of the organization and the behaviours of management, shop management, layouts, applied business in the motive power industry and setting goals and objectives in connection with time management. Students are able to obtain a working knowledge of the organizational behaviour, shop management and applied business practice skills in the motive power industry. The student will also employ appropriate strategies in setting goals and objectives and demonstrate appropriate time management skills.
- GNED General Education Elective
- General Education Courses
- Second Year - Semester Four
- MGMT2006 Applied Management Principles
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This course demonstrates a working knowledge of shop systems, human and physical resource management, organizational behaviour and customer/employee/employer relations.
Prerequisite: BUSI 2007
- AMST2015 Applied Work Practices 2
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Instruction will be given in the following areas: climatic control systems, shielded metal arc welding and business practices. Applied work practices and procedures are designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of climate control systems, shielded metal arc welding and applied business practices.
Prerequisite: AMST 1026
- AMST2014 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel 3
-
Instruction will be given in the following areas: electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams, test equipment, cranking and charging systems, ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, emission controls and engine management. The electrical, electronics and fuel systems module is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams and applied test equipment, electronics definitions, fundamentals and applied test equipment, cranking systems and control circuits, charging systems and control circuits, engine management/ignition systems, engine management/fuel characteristics, carburetor and intake manifold heating systems, engine management/gasoline electronic fuel injection systems, and engine management/emission control systems.
Prerequisite: AMST 2013
- AMST2016 Suspension, Steering and Brakes 2
-
Instruction will be given in the following areas: suspension and alignment, brake systems. The suspension, steering and brake modules are designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension alignment and brake systems.
Prerequisite: AMST 1030
- GNED General Education Elective
- General Education Courses
*Courses subject to change.
Fast track into an apprenticeship
- The skills and experiences you gain in Loyalist's two-year Motive Power Technician – Service and Management diploma program can help you jump-start your apprenticeship journey! Learn how.
- Information about qualification requirements leading to certification is available on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website. You can also contact an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you.
Turn your diploma into a degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. The following is a list of agreements that are currently in place. There are many more options, and new agreements are added annually. Contact your university of choice to make individual arrangements. Click here for more information about university transfer agreements.
Two-year diploma
- Algoma University — B.A.; B.B.A.; B.Sc.; Bach. Computer Science
- Brock University — various*
- Davenport University – B.A. General Business
- Lakehead University — various*
- Laurentian University — various*
- Nipissing University — various*
- Seneca College — Bach. Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ontario Tech University — B.A. Adult Education and Digital Technology
- University of Waterloo — various*
- Wilfrid Laurier University — various*
- York University — various*
*Various potential degree pathways. Please confirm details with the receiving institution.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2023 – 24)
- Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
- Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,308
- Total: $4,030.08
- Additional Program Costs: $746 (year one)
Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.
*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist College has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.
Students are eligible for the following awards in the Motive Power Fundamentals and Technician programs:
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.
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
Recommended academic preparation
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
International students
Click here for information about how to apply, international student fees and more.
Campus News
Loyalist College Automotive programs to host 7th annual Show and Shine...
Loyalist College is pleased to invite members of the public to attend its 7th annual Auto Show and Shine event, taking place outside of the Peter F. Huff Automotive Centre at the Sustainable Skills, T... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE TO HOST SKILLS COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDE...
Loyalist College will host a Skills Competition on Tuesday, March 24 to provide more than 70 students in grades 10 and 11 with the opportunity to compete in the following skilled trades:Automotive Ser... Read More
Loyalist College Welcomes New Recipients of the W. Garfield Weston Fel...
Belleville, Ontario, September 16, 2014 – With the start of the fall semester, Loyalist College has welcomed 24 new recipients of the W. Garfield Weston Foundation Fellowship. The Fellowship provide... Read More
Loyalist College Hosts Sixth Annual ‘Show and Shine’
Today, September 13, Loyalist College automotive programs are hosting their sixth consecutive Show and Shine event on campus. Hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and race cars are polished to the max as pro... Read More
Loyalist College Students to Compete At Ontario Technological Skills ...
Loyalist College is proud to announce that 10 students from the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology will be competing in the 25th Annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) o... Read More
In the News
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CarCare Business - see page 35.