Automotive Technician

Modern cars carry more wiring than engine parts, and a technician now needs a scan tool as much as a wrench. Assiniboine’s Automotive Technician certificate is a nine-month pre-employment programme that teaches you to repair and service cars and light duty trucks. It runs from the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology on the North Hill campus in Brandon, with classes starting in September.

The programme opens with Orientation & Shop Skills, Math - Automotive and Electrical Science. The three big blocks are Gas Engines, Electrical/Electronic Systems and Power Trains Automotive, each worth fifteen credits. Across them you learn engine diagnosis, electronic and electrical systems, driveline work, heating and air conditioning, steering, suspension and braking, and restraint systems, and you learn to diagnose and repair hybrid and electric vehicles. Welding 1 and Communications round out the trade skills and customer-facing writing.

Assiniboine teaches this trade in a dedicated automotive shop inside the Len Evans Centre, where students work on real vehicles with the equipment a service bay uses. A three-week Practicum - AUTO then places you in a working shop. Students who finish with a 70% average in trade subjects, find work and register as an apprentice within two years receive credit for Level 1 in-school technical training and 900 hours in the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship.

Automotive Technician graduates start at new car dealerships, independent repair shops, tire and quick-service centres and automotive parts suppliers, and some move into sales. Common first jobs are apprentice automotive service technician, lube technician, tire technician and parts counterperson, and with experience a shop supervisor or service manager role. Assiniboine notes that further training can lead to running your own shop. The certificate suits practical problem-solvers who enjoy both hands-on repair and electrical diagnosis.