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. Acquire the skills to perform preventative maintenance, basic diagnosis, and repairs on cars and light-duty trucks. You will learn about the systems in today’s vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art tools and equipment.
Hands-on practice includes safety and tools; alignments; suspension and steering; brake service; electrical; and basic maintenance.
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.
Get more information about this and similar programs
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
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,281
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2022 | July 4, 2022 | Sept. 23, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | April 3, 2022 | July 28, 2023 |
On the job: An automotive arbitrator's journey
SAIT graduate Ashley Luker shares her journey from working on family cars as a young girl to settling disputes as a senior arbitrator.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2023 start: applications for winter 2023 open March 30, 2022.
Program 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, and,
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, and,
- One Grade 11 Science.
A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 4) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
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 admission
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. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue >
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-200 | Automotive Electrical | 1.5 |
| MOTR-202 | Automotive Related Subjects | 1.5 |
| MOTR-220 | Automotive Shop I | 6.0 |
| MOTR-221 | Automotive Theory IA | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
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 in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $511
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $6,132 | $149 | n/a | $6,281 |
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $49
- Universal transit pass (Upass): n/a
- Student support fee: $50
- Student technology fee: $50
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding
Saitsa fees
Student Association fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs do not pay student association fees.
Health and dental fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs are not eligible for health and dental plans.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more 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.
Orientation
Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details. Look for ORNT 118.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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
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, safety glasses and coveralls are required on the first day of class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices
PREP 145 is a free study skills course for apprentices and pre-employment students. Discover your learning style, develop memory techniques, learn effective ways to conquer your modules, get tips on how to write multiple-choice tests, and prepare for your apprenticeship exam. Course completion is recommended at the beginning of your first semester.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The 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 is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.774.4985
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic Chair
James Oancia, Academic Chair
Email: James.Oancia@sait.ca
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.
