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 body 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 counterperson
  • Technical salesperson
  • Shop owner
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Courses

Term one (2024 Spring)
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 (2024 Fall)
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) (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COOP1101 Co-op Work Term 0
Term four (2025 Spring)
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 (2025 Fall)
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

Program Outcomes Term: 1242
  1. Analyse, diagnose, and solve various motive power system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.

  2. Diagnose and repair climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.

  3. Diagnose and repair engine systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.

  4. Diagnose and repair electrical, electronic, personal safety, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.

  5. Diagnose and repair drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.

  6. Diagnose and repair suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.

  7. Disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.

  8. Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.

  9. Apply knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and analysis of motive power systems and subsystems.

  10. Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards.

  11. Use information technology and computer skills to support work in a motive power environment.

  12. Prepare, support, maintain, and communicate data from log, record, and documentation systems.

  13. Apply business practices, project management skills, and communication skills to improve customer service.

  14. Assist in quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures.

  15. Develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships.

  16. Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.

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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/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) 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: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (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

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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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