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Automotive Technology

The integrated training model used in this program provides students with a coordinated pathway taking them from pre-apprenticeship training through to a Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal. It includes all aspects of program delivery including 'on campus' training at Holland College and 'in industry' work placements. Under Provincial Legislation, registration as an apprentice working under the guidance of a journey-person or a Certificate of Qualification is compulsory for the trade of Automotive Service Technician.

The Automotive Technology program is designed to allow students to develop a strong skill foundation through classroom, lab and shop learning activities. Through increased focus on employability skills, adjunct studies are an integral part of the program. An automotive technician must be well versed in computers, mathematics, reading and communication skills along with skills specific to the trade.

The Automotive Technology program has attained national accreditation status from the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council (CARS) National Accreditation Board, (CNAB). This accreditation is recognized nationally as the benchmark for quality automotive programs.

This is a US Federal Aid approved program.

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Courses

List of Courses

Automotive Technology Courses

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Take the following course(s):

Shop Safety Practices and Procedures

In this course, students will learn safe work habits that, when implemented, contribute to an injury-free workplace. CPR, First Aid, and WHIMIS will be part of this course and certificates will be issued to those who complete those assessments successfully.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1000

Customer Service and Information Retrieval

During this course learners will engage in activities regarding customer service and satisfaction. Learners will learn ways to demonstrate a professional approach and image toward customers.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1006

Shop Tools, Equipment and Measuring Devices

In this course students will learn how to use the equipment of an automotive shop along with the measuring devices and other shop tools.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1016

All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Systems

In this course students will learn about All-Wheel and Four-Wheel drive systems.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1026

Braking Systems

This course prepares students to diagnose and repair disc, drum, and hydralic braking systems. In addition, students will learn to diagnose, service and repair ABS and traction control systems. A key component of the course is applying safe practices when servicing brakes.

Hours: 60
Course Code: AUTO3-1027

Manual Transmissions

In this course students will learn how to diagnose and repair manual transmissions.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1031

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles

In this course students will learn about automatic transmissions and transaxles. Through lecture, self study and shop activities students will learn the diagnosis, overhaul, removal and installation of automatic transmissions and transaxles.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1032

Preventative Maintenance and Vehicle Inspection

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn the procedures involved in performing Motor Vehicle Inspections, Pre-Delivery Inspections and preventative maintenance tasks.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1035

Welding

Students in this course will learn the theory and practical skills necessary to perform basic welding and cutting operations used in the automotive mechanical trade.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1041

Steering and Suspension Systems

In this course students will learn to analyze and service front and rear suspension systems, inspect and repair tires, wheels, and steering linkages.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1045

Wheel Alignment

This course will prepare students to inspect and repair manual and power steering gears and steering columns and perform wheel alignments.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1050

Drive Lines

In this course students will learn to diagnose, service and repair drivelines and axles. The training environment will include lectures, self study and practical exercises.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1051

Math

This course is designed to enable the student to develop trade related math skills. Students will acquire competency in math skills as they relate to the automotive program and their future career. Emphasis will be placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students will be challenged to continually make connections between math and the automotive field, as well as every day applications.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-1055

Basic Electricity, Batteries, Restraints and Basic Scan Tool

In this course students will learn the fundamentals of electricity in relation to automotive vehicles.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-1076

Practicum I

During this first Practicum, Automotive Technology students will be applying the skills and knowledge learned in the courses taken since the beginning of the program.

Hours: 200
Course Code: AUTO3-1085

Practicum II

During this second Practicum, Automotive Technology students will be applying the skills and knowledge learned in the courses taken since the beginning of the program. Focus will be placed on the skills and knowledge gained in the courses taken immediately prior to this Practicum.

Hours: 400
Course Code: AUTO3-1090

Practicum III

During this third Practicum, Automotive Technology students will be applying the skills and knowledge learned in the courses taken since the beginning of the program. Focus will be placed on the skills and knowledge gained in the courses taken immediately prior to this Practicum.

Hours: 640
Course Code: AUTO3-1095

Emissions Control Systems

In this course students will learn about the functioning of emission control systems, as well as how to diagnose problems and service systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2000

Engine Electrical

In this course students will learn about aspects of the engine's electrical system.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2006

Air Conditioning and Climate Control

In this course students will learn about heating and cooling systems. Through lecture, self study and practical exercises students will be able to diagnose and service automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2015

Cylinder Blocks

In this course students will learn how to service cylinder blocks. Topics will include: disassembling, inspecting and assembling cylinder blocks, inspecting and measuring crankshafts, inspecting connecting rods and pistons and inspecting oil delivery systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2035

Cylinder Heads

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to service cylinder heads. Emphasis will be placed on the students' ability to apply their knowledge of the operation of cylinder heads in order to return them to working order.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2040

Differentials

In this course students will learn to diagnose and repair differentials. The course will be made up of lectures, practical exercises in the shop and independent study.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2045

Employability Skills

This course is designed to enhance the technician's trade-related skills and knowledge with business and employability-related skills and knowledge. Topic areas include: marketing strategies, human resources and organizational behaviour, and financial management principles.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-2055

Engine Diagnostic Procedures

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose problems in gasoline engines. Emphasis is placed on the students' ability to apply their knowledge of the operation of engines and the use of diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of problems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2060

Engine Drivability and Performance

In this course students will learn about engine drivability and performance.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2065

Fuel Systems I

In this course students will learn how to diagnose and service the fuel delivery system.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2066

Fuel Systems II

In this course students will learn about the operation and basic service of a diesel engine.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2067

Ignition Systems

This course will prepare the learner to work with ignition systems. Through lecture, self study and practical exercises students will learn to diagnose and service ignition systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2070

Cooling Systems

This course prepares students to work with vehicle cooling systems. Students will be able to conduct tests of, diagnose and repair cooling systems. In addition, students will be able to handle and dispose of coolants in an environmentally safe manner.

Hours: 30
Course Code: AUTO3-2071

Vehicle Computer Systems

In this course students will learn about vehicle electronic and computer systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2075

Vehicle Convenience Systems

In this course students will learn about vehicle convenience systems. Through lecture, self study and practical exercises students will learn to diagnose, service and repair vehicle convenience systems.

Hours: 45
Course Code: AUTO3-2080

Practicum IV

During this Practicum Automotive Technology students will be applying the skills and knowledge learned in the courses taken since the beginning of the program. Special emphasis will be placed on the skills and knowledge gained in the courses taken immediately prior to this Practicum.

Hours: 320
Course Code: AUTO3-2085

Practicum V

Hours: 1200
Course Code: AUTO3-2090

Workplace Communications

This course is designed to allow students to develop preparatory skills for securing and retaining employment including; workplace communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon successful completion of this course students are able to use oral communications techniques, and create a variety of written documents and reports used in the workplace. Methods and strategies for job search, preparation and retention are also incorporated.

Hours: 45
Course Code: COMM-1005

Computer Essentials

In this course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of various software programs and information processing systems used in today's workplace and educational environments. Students develop the skills necessary to understand and efficiently use common workplace productivity tools. The main areas of focus include: operating systems, e-mail and groupware, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentation software, and the integration of these technologies.

Hours: 45
Course Code: COMP-1000

Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Hours: 0
Course Code: SAFE-1005

Program Facts
Start Date:	September
Length:	32 months
Location:	Summerside Waterfront Campus
Credential Issued:	Diploma, Automotive Technician - Students who successfully complete all the apprenticeship requirements and pass their Interprovincial Red Seal Examination in their designated trade will be issued their Red Seal by the PEI Apprenticeship Board.

Red Seal Information

The most successful path to a Red Seal as an Automotive Service Technician begins with the Automotive Technology program. This program enables you to earn 4,000 hours and write all four block exams, which puts you well on your way to Red Seal certification. Upon graduation, once you are working with a suitable employer, you will register as an apprentice to complete your journey to challenge the Interprovincial Exam. When you register, Apprenticeship PEI will give you credit for the hours earned and block exams passed while you were at Holland College.

The Interprovincial Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification. The Red Seal is recognized as the Interprovincial standard of excellence for your chosen trade and is the designation most employers will ask for.

Graduate Opportunities

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
A valid (unrestricted or G) Class 5 driver's license
Driver's abstract
Attendance at an information session
Preference will be given to applicants with Grade 11 or 12 academic English, math and physics
Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees
Year 1	$4,800
Year 2	$4,800
Year 3	$1,260*
View a full breakdown of costs and booklist for this program.

* This is the 3rd year tuition fee for Island Residents. If you are a non-Island resident, please click here.

Tuition Note

Tuition Note: In the academic year of 2012-2013, the tuition fee for non-Island residents for the third year of Automotive was $4800. Off-Island students may be eligible for financial assistance through their local HRSDC office or other student loan provider

Articulation Agreements

University of New Brunswick Saint John
Two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management.

For more information, see our Degree Pathways section.

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Contact

If you have any questions concerning the Automotive Technology program, please contact:

General Inquiries (902) 888-6448

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