Write off or repair?
The service engine light is on for the third time this month, the air conditioner is blowing hot air and the passenger side window just won’t go down, but you have the tools needed to fix the problem. In addition to the essential business skills needed for success, you have the combination of motive powers tool expertise and automotive knowledge needed to determine if one last repair is going to turn a frustrating jalopy into the General Lee.
Back to TopProgram Description
This program will give you the skills and training required to pursue a variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields. As a graduate, you will be prepared to enter the motive power trades with highly skilled trade qualifications and essential business communication, marketing and interpersonal skills. Successful completion of this program will enable you to:
- Create work orders related to the motive power trade and industry
- Diagnose motive power engines, electrical/fuel systems, motive power drive line, directional control systems (steering, suspension and brakes) and air conditioning
- Search and find parts/service information from manuals and computerized systems
- Understand and apply proper disposal, storage and handling practices as they pertain to environmental legislation
- Understand management principles such as business structure, accounting, human resources management and parts/supply management
If you successfully complete Year 1 and choose to leave at that time, you will receive an Ontario college certificate in Motive Power Fundamentals – Parts and Counter Personnel.
Students wishing to challenge apprenticeship exemption exams are required to pay an examination fee.
Back to TopAdmission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, General Education Development, Academic and Career Entrance – College Prep Level or Mature Student Status plus senior level (Grade 11 or higher) subject credits, college preparation (C), university/college preparation (M), university preparation (U) or post-secondary (college or university) in:
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 12 mathematics (MCT4C Technical Mathematics recommended)
Back to TopCareer Options
- Automotive service technician apprentice
- Farm equipment mechanic apprentice
- Forklift mechanic apprentice
- Parts counterperson/manager
- Service writer/manager
- Truck and coach mechanic apprentice
Back to TopCourse List & Descriptions
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Topics include trade practices, safety, vehicle maintenance, measuring tools, and the location and identification of major vehicle parts.
Students gain a basic knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension system. As well, students learn about steering, standard hydraulic and air brake systems.
Students will be using the computer to generate work orders, invoicing, repair orders, and search for vehicle repair procedures.
Students learn basic sales skills to increase profits for their organization and the importance of customer satisfaction.
Topics include trade practices, mobile refrigerant handlers for ozone depletion prevention, and the major components and operating principles in mobile air conditioning systems. As well, students learn about fluid power, hydraulics, pneumatics, welding and basic heating and cutting procedures.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
Students gain a fundamental understanding of trade-related calculations. Throughout the course, students solve problems using fractions, decimals and algebraic equations. In addition, they solve geometric calculations involving area perimeter volume, trade-related problems using Pythagorean Theorem and right-angled trigonometry.
Students gain a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of clutch assemblies, manual transmissions, and drive lines.
Students learn about electrical, electronics and fuel system fundamentals, lead acid batteries, applied electrical schematics, gasoline and diesel fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems, and emission control systems.
Students learn how parts and service departments operate. Other topics include the identification, characteristics and functions of basic parts used in vehicle maintenance.
Students learn about internal combustion engine assemblies, lubrication systems, cooling systems, and fastening and sealing techniques.
This course is currently under development.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
Students gain a working knowledge of the organization and behaviour of management, shop management, lay out and applied business in the motive power industry as well as setting goals and objectives in connection with time management.
Students gain a working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension systems, steering systems, tires and rims, alignment and brake systems.
Students learn about the construction, operation, testing and servicing of clutches and controls, manual transaxles and differentials, and torque converters and rear wheel drive automatic transmissions.
Students learn about electrical definitions, circuits, wiring diagrams, test equipment, cranking and charging systems, ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, emission controls, and engine management.
Students gain a working knowledge of engine block terms and measurements, engine component diagnosis and engine component reconditioning.
Students gain a working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of air conditioning equipment.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
Students learn about human and physical resources management, organizational behaviour, and customer, employee and employer relations.
Students learn about vehicle suspension systems, alignment, and anti-lock, power and air brake systems.
Students learn about lock-torque converters, sensors and controls, and front-wheel drive automatic transmissions.
Topics include wiring, lighting, power accessory and instrumentation systems, supplemental inflatable restraint systems, cranking systems, charging systems and engine management/ignition systems. Students also learn about gasoline electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and vehicle optional security and convenience systems.
Students gain a working knowledge of the products and materials used in the automotive industry, their impact on the environment, and government testing standards.
Students gain a working knowledge of engine definitions, construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of induction systems, cylinder head and valve train assemblies and components.
Students learn about automatic climate control comfort systems.
tudents learn to deal confidently with any business situation or problem. Topics include legal forms, start-up costs, financing, marketing, staffing, inventory control and government regulations.
Courses and course descriptions are for the next academic year and are subject to change.
Back to TopProgram Costs
| | Domestic | International |
| Tuition Fees | $2,533 | $11,820 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $1,010 | $1,570 |
| Incidental Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total Fees: | $3,543 | $13,390 |
Please note: fees are based on the 2012-2013 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.
Back to TopOpportunities For Degree Completion Or Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Back to TopDisability Considerations
Students with disabilities who wish to discuss accommodation plans are encouraged to contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
Back to Top
Program Quick-Find
If you are an International student, please contact
Open: September 2013
Diploma to degree Opportunities
