If you feel your best working under the hood of a car, take your interest in vehicles into the Automotive Systems program. This one-year certificate program will prepare you for an in-demand career in automotive services shops and mechanical garages through a curriculum designed in consultation with industry members.
You’ll get lots of hands-on practice to develop your understanding of automotive technology, from simple components to advanced computerized vehicle systems. Our experienced instructors will work with you in our modern shops to help you understand what makes vehicles tick.
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Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be awarded a total of 600 hours of experience credit and be prepared to write first- and second-year Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship exams. Wherever your future takes you, you'll be able to drive away from Lethbridge College and into positions such as:
- Apprentice Automotive Service Technician
- Automotive Systems Certificate Instructor
- Equipment Salesperson
- Journeyman Automotive Service Technician
- Mobile Repair Service Technician
- Service Manager
- Shop Foreman
- Shop Owner
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
16 hoists
in the automotive lab
3 dynamometers
used for measuring the power produced by an engine, motor or other rotating prime mover
300
you’ll earn 300 hours of experience each towards your first- and second-year automotive service technician apprenticeship
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
Late August
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Dates and Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
This program is available for International Students.
New applicants are accepted into the Automotive Systems program for the Fall term only with a late August program start date.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program do not require a high school diploma; however, they must satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 11 English
- Grade 11 Math
The following courses or subjects are recommended for the best possible outcome in the Automotive Systems program:
- Physics, Chemistry, and Science
- Grade 12 Math and English
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Automotive Systems certificate.
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Delivery Formats
The Automotive Systems program is delivered on campus face-to-face with a very small portion of blended learning.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| AST-1116 | Introduction to Trade Practices | 1.5 |
| AST-1119 | Basic Automotive Electrical I | 3 |
| AST-1122 | Automotive Industry | 1.5 |
| AST-1131 | Automotive Braking Systems | 3 |
| AST-1133 | Automotive Drivelines | 3 |
| AST-1134 | Auto Directional Control Systems | 3 |
| AST-1135 | Basic Maintenance | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| AST-1138 | Automotive Electrical Systems II | 3 |
| AST-1139 | Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems | 3 |
| AST-1141 | Automotive Drivetrains | 3 |
| AST-1142 | Automotive Engine Systems | 3 |
| AST-1143 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| AST-1145 | Performance Projects | 3 |
| FWK-1125 | Automotive Field Work | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 37.5 | |
Special Note: Students who successfully complete the Automotive Systems one-year certificate program are eligible to write their first and second year apprenticeship exams and earn hours towards first period work experience and hours towards second period work experience of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship Pathway
Students who have successfully completed Lethbridge College's Automotive Systems Certificate program can continue to obtain their Journeyman Certification by registering with Apprenticeship Alberta. For more information about Alberta's apprenticeship requirements go to: https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/
Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience
Tuition and Fees
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,126.00
|
$1,680.00
|
$800.00
|
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$18,126.00
|
$1,680.00
|
$800.00
|
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
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Scholarships
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships: