Automotive Service Technician AST
- Block release means that apprentices take three 8 week breaks from work to attend classes full time at the college. During these blocks of classes, you will have: 30 hours/week of class requiring 0.5 hours of study/assignments required for each hour in class.
- Day release means apprentices continue to work, but take classes one day/week from September to June. You will have: 8 hours of class/week requiring 0.5 hours of study/assignments required for each hour in class.
Holland Code: R (Realistic)
What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?
Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.
Prospective students, who do not have an employer or wish to explore a mechanical career before doing an apprenticeship, may want to consider the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program at Fanshawe College. This program provides much of the in-school portion of an apprenticeship.
Literacy Applicants should be able to refer to and follow the technical manuals which are written in terse abbreviated language.
Math & Science Basic math skills needed, grade 12 math recommended.
Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal for course material).
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- Mechanical aptitude and interest
- Enjoy performing tasks that require precision
- The ability to keep up to date with changing technology
- Enjoy working independently
Useful background experience for this program would be
High school automotive classes, Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) in Transportation, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) an asset but not required.
What kind of work could I do when I graduate?
Graduates of this program may go on to become a
Licensed Automotive Service Technician.
Typical working conditions for this kind of work:
- Some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required.
- Work is sometimes noisy and dirty.
- Risk of injury when working with power tools and from exposure to exhaust gas fumes.
Places you may find yourself employed include
- Motive power equipment manufacturers and dealers
- Oil companies
- Industrial, commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers and dealers in servicing, parts, warranty claims
- Automotive dealers – Apprenticing first, licensed Automotive Service Technician, Service Advising, Service Management, doing merchandising or sales
- Insurance companies – doing insurance estimating
Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace
- Adjust, test and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and air-conditioning systems, and do wheel alignments
- May specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts (for example, transmissions, engines, electrical components)
- Locate the cause of faulty operation and repair it
- Use testing equipment, take the vehicle for a test drive or refer to manufacturers' specifications and manuals
- Dismantle faulty assemblies and repair or replace worn or damaged parts
- Reassemble, adjust and test the repaired mechanism.
- Provide scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune-ups
- Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements
Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity
Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general
- www.apprenticesearch.com
- The Apprenticeship Network
- Apprenticetrades.ca
- Ontario College of Trades
- Employer apprenticeship incentives
Links to learn more about being an automotive service technician
- Government of Ontario Job Futures
- www.canadiantechnician.com
- Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
NOC Codes
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.
- NOC Code 7321 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.
Career Outlook
Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.
Last Modified: January 11, 2024