Add mechanical talents and troubleshooting skills to your passion for vehicles
Hands-on training in our state-of-the-art automotive shop combined with classroom learning prepares you to service repairs on all subsystems found in today's gas-powered and hybrid vehicles.
Special focus is placed on basic automotive repair, along with servicing electrical systems and components according to manufacturing procedures. After covering the basics, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair everything from steering, suspension, and brakes to computer systems, fuel injection systems, and emission systems. Our program features an optional, paid co-op where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment.
Program highlights
- Capped enrolment
- 50/50 split between the automotive shop and classroom training
- Educational partnership with ConsuLab
- Diploma equates to three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry training
- Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| APP 1101 | Trades Practice & Applications I 1 | 6 |
| SID 1205 | Computer Methods - Trades | 2 |
| SSB 1151 | Steering/Suspension/Brakes I 1 | 6 |
| DTS 1141 | Drive Train Systems I 1 | 5 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ELC 1217 | Electrical & Electronics I 1 | 6 |
| MOT 1000 | Gas Engines I 1 | 5 |
| FLS 1000 | Basic Fuel System & Fuel Manag 1 | 7 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| APP 1000 | Repairer s Rights and Responsibilities 1 | 2 |
| ELC 2303 | Electrical Systems & Electronics 1 | 8 |
| ENG 1780 | Applied Communication II | 2 |
| MOT 1002 | Gas Engines II 1 | 3 |
| PWT 2305 | Power Train Controls II 1 | 4 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| DTS 2401 | Drive Train System II 1 | 5 |
| EFI 2401 | Electronic Fuel Injection Systems 1 | 5 |
| PRS 1430 | Personal Relations Skill & Attitude 1 | 2 |
| SSB 1411 | Steering/Suspension/ABS Brakes 1 | 4 |
| ACS 1000 | Air Conditioning Systems 4RS | 4 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 88 | |
- 1
Course with Lab Component
- 2
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities as:
- General automotive service technicians
- Specialty technicians (e.g., electrical/driveability, transmission)
- Service advisors/consultants
- Automotive parts/retail salespersons
- Manufacturing/fabricating/custom work employees
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
