Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician

Automotive Service

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Katelyn Vallee
Trades Enrolment Specialist
780 871 5451
780 808 5766
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LocationVermilion

CredentialCertificate

Program Length16 weeks

Delivery MethodFace-to-face

Check out Lakeland’s pre-employment program to see if automotive service is the right career path for you.

This 16-week program includes an 80-hour practicum. Unlike our apprenticeship programs, you don't need to have a job to enrol. Along with the first-year apprenticeship training, you’ll receive additional instruction to prepare you for the workforce:

maintenance
brake systems
electrical systems
safety and tools
steering and suspension

After this training, you may qualify to challenge the 1st year automotive apprenticeship exam.

At the end of your classroom instruction, you will be placed in an 80-hour practicum. It’s a chance to practice what you’ve learned and connect with the industry.

Requirements

Successful completion of the following courses:

English 20-2
Math 20-3
Science 10

OR A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests.

OR Entrance Exam

2. Proof of English language proficiency

Notes:

If you completed high school outside of Alberta, check provincial subject equivalents.
If you don’t have the academic requirements, you may qualify through special admissions.
If you are an International student, check eligible programs.

There are no additional program requirements.

As you prepare for your start date, review this important information.

Please refer to the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website for information about trade requirements and career opportunities.

Enrolment is the final step after you've been accepted, paid your tuition deposit, and the timetable has been set.

You will be automatically enrolled in your courses.
You can expect to be enrolled approximately 1 month before the program start date.
Once you've been enrolled, your schedule will be available in My Lakeland.

If you completed relevant courses at another post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for transfer credit. Apply for transfer credit at least 2 months before classes start by completing the transfer credit form.

Review all of the other ways Lakeland does prior learning assessments.

When you complete the program requirements, you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

More program details

2025-26 tuition and fees

Year	Tuition and program fees	Estimated books, supplies and field trips	Mandatory fees
1	$6,115	$300	$617

Remember that studying includes other expenses than tuition and fees - you should also be budgeting for your accommodation and living expenses. Alberta student loan guidelines recommends $1,153/month.

Our tuition and fees page has details about academic, application and mandatory fees and their cost breakdown per term.

Your weekly class schedule can be found on your My Lakeland student portal when available. This is usually one month prior to the program start date.

Important dates found below include your tuition due date, your program registration/start date, events and holidays.

Dates are subject to change. We recommend you check here regularly for any updates.

Aug 11 — Fees due
Aug 25 — Registration day/classes begin
Aug 29 — Last day to withdraw from college with 50% refund
Sept 30 — National Truth & Reconciliation Day, college closed
Oct 13 — Thanksgiving, college closed
Nov 11 — Remembrance Day, college closed
Nov 14 — AIT Challenge Exam
Nov 18 — Last day of classes
Nov 19 - Dec 12 — Practicum

Classes start immediately after orientation, so be prepared to start your studies on orientation day. Bring binders, pens and pencils with you, or purchase them on registration day at the bookstore.

Protective equipment and supplies:

CSA (green-tagged) approved safety toed boots
safety glasses
three-ring binders
loose leaf paper or notebooks, pens, pencils
lock for locker
coveralls or lab coat is recommended, not mandatory
laptop or tablet is recommended, not mandatory

Stationery is also available at the bookstore.

If you have any questions, please contact: apprenticeship@lakelandcollege.ca 780 853 8500.

Options

Continue with the automotive service technician apprenticeship. Once you have found employment, become a registered apprentice and continue with your apprenticeship training at Lakeland College.
Pursue a different mechanical trade:
- Parts technician
- On highway equipment technician
- Off highway equipment technician

Two students inspecting an automotive part

Hands on learning at its finest, that's what you'll get during your training with Lakeland. Then, put your new skills to work during your time with top-notch employers.

Learning in action

Electrician student working on a breaker board

Visiting campus is the best way to see all that we offer. The next best option is our virtual tours, you can explore the trades centre, the Vermilion quad and even our rec centre.

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Employers value experience. Match that with the expertise gained in the classroom and in our trades centre? Hear from out alumni how its worked out for them.

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