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 3 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 Ontario Skills Competition 

Program of study for 2024-25 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.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
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
 Credits22
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
 Credits21
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
 Credits22
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
 Credits23
 Total Credits88
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)

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations

  • Automotive-related courses

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

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.