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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
Train for a career repairing and maintaining cars and trucks in this program that combines action-based learning on modern equipment in a shop environment, as well as automotive theory and business courses — a combination that prepares grads to move into positions such as shop foreman or service manager.
This Automotive Service Technology program provides excellent preparation for an apprenticeship as an Automotive Service Technician.
Automotive courses are provided in a combination of classroom, lab and shop environments. Students will utilize up-to-date equipment, carrying out diagnosis and repairs that meet the manufacturer’s specifications and customer’s satisfaction.
Business and communications courses will better prepare you in your career and provide opportunities to advance.
The maintenance and repair requirements of the large volume vehicles in Alberta provide many employment opportunities for well-trained technicians. The primary location for this program is the Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre at SAIT’s main campus.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Automotive Service Technology.
Most graduates continue their training and complete an apprenticeship that includes an Alberta Journeyman Certificate as an Automotive Service Technician and an Inter-provincial Standards Red Seal.
Diploma graduates are eligible for 16 months of credit towards their Alberta apprenticeship contract.
In addition, students may be granted trade-related work experience between the first and second year toward your apprenticeship. Students are also eligible to write apprenticeship exams upon completion of training. The pass mark for apprenticeship exams is 70%.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- automotive service technician*
- mechanic
- foreman
- service manager
Related careers include:
- heavy equipment technician
- career and technology studies teacher
*Upon successful completion of automotive service technician apprenticeship, graduates specialize in various areas such as engines, driveability, electrical, chassis systems, wheel alignment, automatic transmissions and more.
100%
$36,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,248
Year 2: $6,248
Year 1 (International): $19,651
Year 2 (International): $19,651
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $18,522 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $19,818 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
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
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2020 |
100 years of automotive
The School of Transportation has been a part of SAIT since 1916 when it opened with its original discipline of Motor Mechanics. Our 100 years of automotive training expertise and state-of-the-art training facility, the Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre, makes us a leading provider of skilled graduates in the automotive industry.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020
- Spring and fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- a 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 Automotive Service Technology 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.
We recommend you add transportation.info@sait.ca and the 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
First year
Semester 1 "A" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-248 | Electrical/Electronics I | 1.5 |
| MATH-202 | Mathematics | 1.5 |
| MOTR-220 | Automotive Shop I | 6.0 |
| MOTR-221 | Automotive Theory IA | 3.0 |
| MOTR-222 | Automotive Theory IB | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 - "A" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 1 "B" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| ELTR-248 | Electrical/Electronics I | 1.5 |
| MATH-202 | Mathematics | 1.5 |
| MOTR-260 | Automotive Shop II | 6.0 |
| MOTR-261 | Automotive Theory II | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 - "B" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 "A" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSC-250 | Science for Trades and Technicians | 1.5 |
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| ELTR-288 | Electrical/Electronics II | 1.5 |
| MOTR-260 | Automotive Shop II | 6.0 |
| MOTR-261 | Automotive Theory II | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 - "A" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 "B" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSC-250 | Science for Trades and Technicians | 1.5 |
| ELTR-288 | Electrical/Electronics II | 1.5 |
| MOTR-220 | Automotive Shop I | 6.0 |
| MOTR-221 | Automotive Theory IA | 3.0 |
| MOTR-222 | Automotive Theory IB | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 - "B" class - total | 15.0 | |
Second year
Second-year students in group "C" class follow "A" class.
Semester 3 "A" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MNGT-202 | Business Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| MOTR-303 | Climate Control | 1.5 |
| MOTR-320 | Automotive Shop III | 6.0 |
| MOTR-321 | Automotive Theory III | 3.0 |
| MOTR-370 | Vehicle Modifications | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 - "A" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3 "B" class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MNGT-202 | Business Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ELTR-348 | Electrical/Electronics IV | 1.5 |
| MOTR-360 | Automotive Shop IV | 6.0 |
| MOTR-361 | Automotive Theory IV | 3.0 |
| MOTR-370 | Vehicle Modifications | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 - "B" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4 "A" Class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-328 | Electrical/Electronics III | 1.5 |
| ELTR-348 | Electrical/Electronics IV | 1.5 |
| MOTR-360 | Automotive Shop IV | 6.0 |
| MOTR-361 | Automotive Theory IV | 3.0 |
| PROJ-348 | Automotive Service Technology Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - "A" class - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4 "B" Class
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-328 | Electrical/Electronics III | 1.5 |
| MOTR-303 | Climate Control | 1.5 |
| MOTR-320 | Automotive Shop III | 6.0 |
| MOTR-321 | Automotive Theory III | 3.0 |
| PROJ-348 | Automotive Service Technology Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - "B" class - total | 15.0 | |
| Program total "A" class |
60.0 | |
| Program total "B" class |
60.0 | |
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, 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
- Thompson Rivers University
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 | $5,026 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,247 |
| 2 | $5,026 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,248 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,338 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $19,651 |
| 2 | $18,338 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $19,651 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,522 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $19,818 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $450 per year.
- The required tools will cost approximately $2,000 - $5,000 (depending on the quality and brand of tools chosen) for the first year and $250 for the second year.
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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 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 an adjustable 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 will be provided.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
You will need CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses, welding gloves, earplugs (supplied) and coveralls. Service technician coveralls will be available for purchase at the start of the semester.
Other requirements
A driver's license, the ability to manoeuvre a vehicle in tight spaces and drive a manual transmission vehicle is highly recommended to succeed in this program and industry.
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
You will need the Individual Learning Module package for Automotive Service Technology for your year of learning.
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
"Thank you for choosing the Automotive Service Technology program in the SAIT School of Transportation!
As your academic chair for the first year of the diploma program, it is my pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the entire program, as the newest members of our innovative learning community. We look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make and to supporting your academic journey."
Matt Carpenter, Academic Chair
Email: matt.carpenter@sait.ca