Trades in Alberta
Automotive Service Technician
Learn more about this trade on the alis website.
Automotive service technicians perform preventative maintenance, diagnose faulty operations and repair automotive vehicles and light trucks.
Automotive service technicians adjust, test and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and air-conditioning systems, and do wheel alignments. In large shops, they sometimes specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts (e.g. transmissions, engines, electrical components, etc.). In smaller shops, automotive service technicians may work on a wider variety of repair jobs.
Automotive service technicians begin by reading the work order and examining the vehicle. To locate the cause of faulty operation and repair it, they:
- use testing equipment, take the vehicle for a test drive, and/or refer to manufacturers' specifications and manuals;
- dismantle faulty assemblies, repair or replace worn or damaged parts; and
- reassemble, adjust and test the repaired mechanism.
Trade Updates
The automotive service technician trade is being updated during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Refer to the Automotive Services Technician Program Updates information sheet for further details.
Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:
- Sponsored Apprentices, and
- Certified Journeypersons.
For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.
Program Information
| Program | Information & Requirements |
| Apprenticeship |
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| Trades Qualifier |
You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: The requirements for an Automotive Service Technician are:
The requirements for an Automotive Service Technician are:
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Program Credit
| Category | Information |
| High School Credit |
|
| Related Trades |
Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.
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Supporting Resources
|
Description
Description / Resources
|
Resources |
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| Trade Information | Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) | |
| Job Information | View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) | |
| Entrance Requirement | You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. | |
| Curriculum Guide | Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. | |
| Classroom Instruction | View a list of currently scheduled classes. | |
| Financial Assistance | Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. | |
| Examinations | Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. | |
| Legislation | For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. |