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Overview
Prepare for an automotive service apprenticeship with hands-on skills in preventative maintenance, basic diagnosis and repairs on cars and light-duty trucks.
This 12-week program provides an alternative entry into the automotive repair industry. You'll learn about the systems in today’s vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art tools and equipment.
You'll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in an operational shop. Hands-on practice includes safety and tools, alignments, suspension and steering, brake service, electrical and basic maintenance.
Finally, you'll complete the first-period technician training and write the first-year apprenticeship exam, if eligible.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have taken automotive mechanics in high school and achieved higher marks in previous secondary or post-secondary schooling may experience greater success in the Pre-Employment Automotive Service Technician program.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate and have completed the first-period Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship technical training.
Graduates may be eligible to write the first period Alberta Trades Qualification exam.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in the automotive industry and are prepared to become indentured automotive service technician apprentices.
Potential career progression includes:
- automotive service technician journeyperson
- shop foreman
- management positions
Related careers include:
- automotive manager
- service manager
$34,320
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,646
Year 1: $5,975
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for summer 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021, and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | April 5, 2021 |
| Summer 2021 | July 5, 2021 |
| Winter 2022 | April 4, 2022 |
Admission Requirements
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Summer 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2022 start: Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021, and are accepted until the program start date.
Admission Requirements
The entrance requirements will be at least 50% in the following courses or equivalents:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2,
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20,
- One Grade 11 Science.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: Four Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pre-Employment Automotive Service Technician and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Program outline
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MOTR 202 | Automotive Related Subjects | 1.5 |
| MOTR 220 | Automotive Shop I | 6.0 |
| MOTR 221 | Automotive Theory IA | 3.0 |
| ELTR 200 | Automotive Electrical | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation students must pass all courses and attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- Rocky Mountain College
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 5,460 | $186 | - | - | $ |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $86
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: N/A
- Dental Plan: N/A
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,733 | $242 | $- | $- | $5,975 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $92
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $75
Student technology fee: $75
Saitsa fee: N/A
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: N/A
- Dental Plan: N/A
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Summer 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place July 5, 2021 (first day of classes.)
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Summer 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Tools are required for the first week of class. See our MASP tool list.
Although not a requirement, you will have more success upon graduation if you hold a driver's licence.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses and coveralls are required on the first day of class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The summer booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.630.9543
Email: george.rhodes@sait.ca
Academic Chair
George Rhodes, Academic Chair
Email: george.rhodes@sait.ca
Next steps for students who begin in Winter 2021
OrientationOrientation details for new students will be provided closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox! View our orientation page. DeliveryThis program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. How to register for classesYou'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Required equipment/toolsTools are required for the first week of class. See our MASP tool list. Although not a requirement, you will have more success upon graduation if you hold a driver's licence. Required personal protective equipment (PPE)CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses and coveralls are required on the first day of class. Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term. |
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.