About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0740 P0740
  • Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Overview

Are you a problem solver with an interest in how vehicles work and the impact of automotive technology on modern day cars and trucks?

As a Motive Power Technician with a focus on the automotive sector, you can choose to operate your own automotive shop or work as an Automotive Service Technician or Parts Manager at an automotive shop or commercial dealership.

Highlights
  • Hands-on, experiential learning opportunities include analyzing and solving complex motive system problems and diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electronic and electrical motive power components and systems.

  • Use the latest technical equipment in state-of-the-art labs.

  • Gain practical experience using troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to support automotive transportation in a co-op work term.

  • Gain exposure to current motive power technology in one-of-a-kind electric vehicle lab.

  • Our graduates will have completed the AST 310S Level 1/2/3 Apprenticeship In-school credits.

Career Opportunities
  • Assistant service advisor or manager
  • Automotive dismantler
  • Automotive service technician or service writer
  • Installer
  • Parts counter staff
  • Shop owner
  • Technical salesperson
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Courses

Term one (2026 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
AUTO1101 Vehicle Body and Structure 3
AUTO1102 Application Fundamentals 3
AUTO1103 Automotive Hydraulics 3
AUTO1104 Engines I 4
AUTO1120 Work Practices and Fabrication 3
AUTO1200 Computer Applications - Automotive 3
COMM1125 Essentials of Workplace Communication 3
MATH1207 Applied Technical Mathematics for Motive Power Technicians 3
Term two (2027 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
AUTO1146 Gear Trains 3
AUTO1201 Automotive Electrical Principles I 4
AUTO1202 Suspension and Steering Systems 4
AUTO1203 Braking Systems I 3
AUTO1204 Materials Science 3
AUTO1221 Environmental Controls 3
AUTO1223 Customer Relations 3
Term three (Co-op) (2027 Spring)
Code Course Name Credits
COOP1101 Co-op Work Term 0
Term four (2027 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
AUTO1271 Trends in Automotive Technology 3
AUTO1305 Engines II 4
AUTO1306 Braking Systems II 3
AUTO1310 Drive Train Technology I 4
AUTO1308 Vehicle Dynamics 3
AUTO1309 Automotive Electrical Principles II 3
AUTO1325 Power Train Controls 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term five (2028 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
AUTO1402 Motive Power Operations Management Principles 2
AUTO1404 Diagnostic Principles 3
AUTO1405 Automotive Electronic Accessories 3
AUTO1408 Drive Train Technology II 3
AUTO1418 Auto Control Circuits 3
COMM1419 Business Communications - Automotive 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Learning Outcomes Term: 1264
  1. Describe the operation, routine maintenance, and repair procedures of components and sub-components to characterize motive power systems with different energy sources.

  2. Disassemble, assemble, test, and inspect components and sub-components to maintain, diagnose, and repair motive power systems.

  3. Diagnose motive power systems to recommend repairs.

  4. Use electronic service information to diagnose and plan motive power repairs or maintenance of motive power systems.

  5. Document maintenance, inspection, and repair records for business and client records.

  6. Perform all assigned work and safety procedures according to manufacturers' service information, applicable codes, and regulations.

  7. Perform inspections and recommended service procedures on light-duty vehicle systems to manufacturer’s performance specifications.

  8. Communicate needs for work performed, general vehicle condition, and future repair requirements to provide quality customer care in automotive service settings.

  9. Collaborate with service advisors, parts personnel, and technicians as a member of an automotive service team to ensure effective work environments.

  10. Develop strategies for personal and professional learning to ensure currency with, and responsiveness to, emerging technologies, regulations, and practices in the automotive service industry.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C), (U), or (M), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • College and Apprenticeship Mathematics – Grade 12 (C)
  • Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
  • Transportation Technology – Grade 11 (C) or Grade 12 (C)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
  • A class G driver's license is strongly recommended.
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) Certification
  • Students are responsible to complete the Ozone Depletion Potential Certification by the end of Term 2 prior to the co-op term. This is required to repair air conditioning systems.
Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Tuition

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Co-op

A program with a co-op (co-operative education) component means that the curriculum combines an in-class education along with hands-on experience of working a job in the program's field of study.

During co-op work terms students are able to link what they learned in the classroom in a real workplace. Understanding the skills they've developed academically helps create a more meaningful college experience, and means they are better prepared for their career after graduation.

For Students
  • Co-op terms are paid. Earn while you learn!
  • Practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom.
  • Gain experience in your field of study before you graduate.
  • Develop references and connections.
  • Hone your skills with feedback from your employer.
Learn More About Co-op @ NC
For Employers
  • Low cost with tax credits and other funding available.
  • Hire for peak season, staff coverage, special projects, etc.
  • Help prepare students with career-related work experience.
  • Minimal training required.
  • Proven recruiting strategy for future staff.
Hire NC Co-op Students

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