If you love working on vehicles, the Automotive Service Technician program could be the route for you. We can provide you with more hands-on, realistic work than what you would find in other institutions, making lab assignments more enjoyable and interesting. Our program has a long history in Medicine Hat having trained technicians since 1982.
Apprenticeship is a great way to develop employable skills while working and earning a paycheck. In fact, apprentices are required to find a job before they go to school.
On the job, you’ll typically work under the direction of a journeyman who provides instruction as you gain experience. Your college study periods are short, usually about two months long, allowing you to build theoretical knowledge and more advanced practical skills. Apprenticeship programs require you to attend college once a year for three or four years.
Mostly referred to as mechanics, automotive service technicians perform preventative maintenance, diagnostic testing and repairs to cars and light trucks. Our program takes students through every part of the automobile and the accessories attached to the vehicles. You will be taught how to adjust, test and repair engines and powertrain systems, steering and brakes systems, fuel and ignition systems, and electrical systems. You will learn how to identify and replace worn or damaged parts, how complex vehicle systems operate and how to diagnose those systems. Scheduled maintenance items such as oil changes are also taught.
This field is most rewarding for those who enjoy doing precise work that is varied and challenging. Automotive service technicians also enjoy on-the-job security, a feeling of independence and constantly changing technology. All four years of this apprenticeship program are available through Medicine Hat College and all trades programs offered by the apprenticeship branch are transferable. We offer small class sizes, individualized attention and access to updated technology.
The first step to becoming an apprentice is finding a job in the trade you would like to study. This is like any other job search, except you are looking for an employer who is willing to hire you as an apprentice in a trade.
Once you have found employment, you can complete the Apprenticeship Application and Contract. This will allow you to be accepted as an apprentice tradesperson.
Access the form at tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca. After your application has been accepted, you will begin training with your employer and are now eligible to register for training at Medicine Hat College. You will then be sent an information package from the college on how to proceed with your registration (dates, times and location of first day of class).
Automotive service technicians are employed by automotive repair shops, specialty repair shops, service facilities, car and truck dealerships, and by large organizations that own fleets of vehicles.
The automotive service technician trade allows you to work on vehicles in a repair shop, step-up into a foreman position, advance to service management positions, or own your own repair shop. Journeyman wages vary, but generally range from $25-$40 an hour with benefits. Many of our students have gone on to secure positions with local employers or used their education and skills to start their own business.
2013/2014 Tuition and Fees
Tuition fees are set as per Government of Alberta policy. Books and supplies vary with each trade and cost about $400 per training period.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. The balance of tuition is due two weeks prior to the first day of classes. Unpaid tuition will result in an automatic withdrawal from class and you seat will be offered to the next person on the waitlist. No refunds will be issues after the third day of classes.
Certification and Graduation
You will be awarded an Alberta Completion of Apprenticeship Certificate when you successfully complete all requirements of your apprenticeship contract. In addition to and depending on the trade, you will receive a Journeyman certification.
Trades eligible for an Interprovincial Red Seal Certificate have an additional exam to write and upon successful completion of the exam, the seal is affixed to the Journeyman certificate when issued.
In the province of Alberta, there are two kinds of regulated trades.
Compulsory CertificationMust be either a journeyman or apprentice to work in the trade as legislated under the Alberta Industry and Training Act.
Optional CertificationTrades training is offered but optional.
You and your employer will sign a contract. Before signing the contract, read it carefully to know your obligations and responsibilities and those of your employer. Once signed, the contract must be delivered to Apprenticeship and Industry Training. An identification card, course outline booklet and, for most trades, an apprenticeship record book are issued to you. At this point, your apprenticeship training begins.
You must write an Apprenticeship and Trade Certification exam at the end of each technical training class. The passing mark is 70%. If you do not pass, you may be offered an apprenticeship supplemental exam. You must take the course again if you do not pass the supplemental exam.
To progress from one training period to the next and get a wage increase, you must
Medicine Hat College may offer this twelve (12) week program designed to help you become more marketable when competing for entry-level employment in specific trades. This program offers twelve (12) weeks of full-time instruction towards first-year apprenticeship training and related industry work experience. You do not have to be employed or to be apprenticing in the trade to attend these classes. Please contact Continuing Studies at 403-529-3844 to see if this pre-employment program is currently available.
Admission Requirements Admission requirements vary with each pre-employment trades program. You must have proof of pre-requisites as described in each trade. Industry contractors will participate in candidate selections, curriculum evaluation, and practicum placement.
Certification Upon successful completion of the program and government exam, you will receive first year technical credit. Provincial Advisory Committees will rule upon program accreditations annually.
Fees The average cost for pre-employment tuition is $4500 plus texts. Alberta Learning administers a government exam fee of $150 upon completion of the program. A practical exam fee of approximately $200 also applies to the Carpenter, Welder and Steamfitter programs.
Medicine Hat College distributes over $300,000 in scholarships and bursaries each year. Applying online is easy!
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There are several options to assist you in funding your education at MHC. Find out what option is best for you.
Academic Advisinginfo@mhc.ab.caTel: 403.529.3819
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