Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic

New Program!

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 12 weeks
Location:: In person (Main Campus)
International applicants:: Not Accepted
Faculty:: School of Transportation

Credit credentials

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These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

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Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

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You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

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Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

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Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

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Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

Turn your love of motorcycles and mechanics into a career.

Our 12-week Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic program will provide foundational training in the assembly, maintenance, repair and restoration of motorcycles and multi-wheeled lightweight all-terrain vehicles.

A combination of theory and hands-on learning in a shop environment, your classes will explore:

lubrication and cooling systems
electrical and ignition systems
carburetion
fuel systems
adjustments of moving parts
safety protocols.

Designed with input from industry, this program is for those interested in becoming an apprentice but do not yet have any knowledge or training in the field.

You'll graduate with the technical knowledge and skills to become a motorcycle mechanic apprentice and repair, service and maintain motorcycles and other similarly powered vehicles.

Motorcycle mechanics tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.

You need:

an aptitude for mechanics
strength and stamina
good people skills
a willingness to work long hours during busy seasons
the ability to safely lift heavy objects
attention to detail
hand-eye coordination
to be reliable
to take pride in your work.

You should enjoy doing work with precision and problem-solving.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Motorcycle Mechanic 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 Motorcycle Mechanic apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

After successfully completing this program, you'll receive a Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

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

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72020, 72410, 72411, 72423, 74203.

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

Course	Credits
In this course, you will learn the correct handling of crated motorcycles, including inspection of incoming shipments and procedures to report missing or damaged parts. You will learn about receiving shipments, and perform pre-delivery inspections and related tasks, including minor repairs to paint and windshields. Finally, you will learn how to correctly prepare motorcycles for extended periods of storage.	1.5
In this course, you will learn to repair and maintain brake systems. You will learn to identify the components and operations of brake systems, describe brake fluid characteristics, and describe hydraulic and mechanical pressures in a multi-piston caliper system. You will also perform inspection, service and repair of drum and disc brake systems, as well as rebuilding master cylinders, wheel cylinders and callipers. Examples of these systems on All Terrain and Utility Vehicles will also be covered.	1.5
In this course, you will learn basic electrical theory and circuits so that you can perform meter tests to diagnose and repair electrical problems. The electrical principles you learn in class will be reinforced in hands-on activities, such as battery maintenance and testing, safe handling of batteries including Electric Motorcycle batteries. You will also learn to use wiring diagrams to identify electrical problems, and repair electrical wires and connectors.	3
In this course, you will learn the operating and design principles of four-stroke and two-stroke engines. You will learn to service motorcycle fuel systems, air filters and air boxes, and perform compression and sealing tests. You will also perform basic engine tune-ups and perform scheduled maintenance procedures.	3
In this course, you will learn to use common hand tools, as well as a range of specialized equipment for cleaning, measuring, testing and service work, including wheel, suspension and frame equipment, and engine service and overhaul equipment. You will also learn to safely use an oxyfuel torch to perform metal heating and cutting operations, and receive an introduction to Mig, Tig and Stick Welding.	1.5
In this course, you will perform complete wheel and tire service and repair. You will identify the types of wheels used for modern motorcycles and describe tire applications, sizes, designs and compatibility. You will also perform visual inspections and demonstrate wheel bearing replacement, wire spoke tension adjustment and replace spoke trim. In addition, you will perform tire removal, mounting and balancing, and remove and replace wheel assemblies. Examples of these systems on All Terrain and Utility Vehicles will also be covered.	1.5
In this course, you will learn about important safety legislation, regulations and industry policies in the workplace, including climbing, lifting, rigging, hoisting, hazardous materials and fire protection. As well, you will learn and use shop information systems to interpret work orders and create parts requisitions. Finally, you will identify and use common motorcycle shop equipment, perform thread repair procedures, and perform thread cleaning, repairing, cutting and broken fastener removal procedures.	1.5

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

Domestic requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

at least 50% English Arts 20-1 or English Arts 20-2, and
at least 50% Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or 60% in Math 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 accepted educational documents and assessment options.

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

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.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

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

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta for a full list of transfer opportunities within the province.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 5, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

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

Domestic students

Domestic tuition for the pre-employment motorcycle mechanic certificate.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	0.5*	$7,199.96	$318	$7,517.96
Total cost:				$7,517.96

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 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 close to your 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 for that term.

Additional learning resources will cost approximately $115.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

You will require steel-toed boots, coveralls and safety glasses. These will cost approximately $250 to $500. You will be able to use these on the job after graduation.

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

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

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.

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

a view of the moutains and stream in between

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Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic

On this page:

Overview