Overview

If you’re looking for an alternative pathway into the automotive repair industry, our 12-week Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician program is your key.

This program provides a condensed and focused curriculum to quickly prepare you for a career in automotive repair. 

As a student, you will:

  • learn how to perform routine maintenance tasks to keep vehicles running smoothly
  • gain the ability to identify common issues in vehicles and perform initial diagnostic procedures to pinpoint problems
  • learn the basics of repairing cars and light-duty trucks, setting a solid foundation for more advanced repair work in the future
  • get hands-on practice using state-of-the-art tools and equipment
  • learn safe working practices and how to use tools and equipment effectively
  • gain expertise in wheel alignments, which are essential for vehicle stability and tire wear
  • learn about suspension and steering
  • learn how to service and repair braking systems
  • learn the basics of electrical work in automotive repair.
You’ll also have the valuable opportunity to work in an operational shop as an automotive service technician.  

Enrolling in our Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician program gives you a strong foundation, hands-on experience, and the skills necessary to kickstart your career.

Those working as automotive service technicians tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.  

You need:  

  • good hearing, eyesight and manual dexterity 
  • mechanical aptitude and interest 
  • a working knowledge of electricity, electronics and computers 
  • customer service skills 
  • a driver’s license. 
You should enjoy performing tasks requiring precision, working independently and with your hands.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Automotive Service Technician curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72020, 72410, 72422, 72423, 74203.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Automotive Service certificate requires 12 credits (4 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

Basic electrical principles are emphasized in this practical, hands-on course which focuses on the automotive applications of these electrical principles. Principles of magnetism are also explained. All theory is reinforced in the laboratory by diagnosing and repairing simple electrical circuits, performing electrical wire repairs, diagnosing and servicing batteries, and taking electrical circuit measurements.

1.5

Automotive Related Subjects introduces students to standard methods and procedures for using measurement and thread repair tools, and oxyacetylene heating and cutting. Students also learn basic automotive maintenance procedures.

1.5

Safety, communication, measuring and hand tools, fasteners related to chassis components, suspension systems, steering systems, wheel alignment, drive shafts, and braking systems will be introduced in this course.

6

Construction, function, and operation of components used in automotive suspension systems, electric and hydraulic assist steering systems, and automotive brake systems are introduced in this course.

3

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, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and
  • at least 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2 or 20-3 and
  • at least 50% in one Grade 11 Science.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023

Summer 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of 2024/25 tuition and fees for domestic students based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,564 $159 $6,723
Total cost:
$6,723
*Less than one full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

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.

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.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,564 $157 $6,721
Total cost:
$6,721
*Less than one full semester of 16 weeks.
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to 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.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Transportation Advising

Phone
403.284.8471
Email
transportation.info@sait.ca