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Automotive Service Technician

Photo/Video Credit alis.alberta.ca

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.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for an automotive service technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
  • Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Trade Qualifier

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.

  • Agricultural Equipment Technician
  • HET - Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off-road)
  • HET - Heavy Equipment Technician
  • HET - Heavy Equipment Technician
  • HET - Transport Trailer Mechanic
  • HET - Truck Transport Mechanic
  • Motorcycle Mechanic
  • Natural Gas Compression Technician
  • Transport Refrigeration Technician

Supporting Resources

 
Description
Description / Resources
Resources
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.
Course Outline Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Technical Training View a list of currently scheduled technical training 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.
Recognized Credentials A person who holds a valid recognized credential is permitted to work in Alberta, but some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.
Trade Regulation For more information regarding tasks and activities, please review the Trade Regulation.