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Motive Power Technician – Service and Management

A close-up shot of two students working underneath a car while it's on an industrial car lift. The two student are wearing goggles and looking upwards to the car.

Gain the industry skills highly sought by employers in various sectors, including heavy equipment, small engine, marine, power sport, and truck and coach. You’ll get practical training in managing a small business or franchise, opening doors to numerous career opportunities.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Motive Power Technician – Service and Management
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
47.0604

Find your career

Motive power tradespeople possess refined knowledge, diagnostic abilities and business management skills. 

  • This two-year diploma prepares you for a technical position in the motive power industry and provides the practical training to manage a small business or franchise. 
  • Graduates work with dealerships, manufacturers, service and repair shops, parts distributors, retail stores, wholesalers, insurance appraisers and adjustors, and manufacturing plants for automotive-related items. 
  • Activities may include diagnostics, repairs, writing customer service orders, sales, customer relations, parts counter service, warranty claim processing, supervision and insurance appraisal.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Auto Parts Counter Person, Benson Auto Parts 
  • Apprentice Technician, Boyer Kia 
  • Service Writer, Canadian Tire 
  • Automotive Technician, JFP Automotive Inc. 
  • Automotive Technician, Heninger Toyota 
  • Automotive Apprentice, Ford Canada 
  • Counter Person, CarQuest 
  • Vehicle Sales Associate, Belleville Toyota

Is it for you?

You love cars. But do you want to do this for a living? People who succeed in this program: 

  • Have often grown-up taking things apart and putting them back together. 
  • Enjoy troubleshooting and solving problems. 
  • Have a good background in math. 
  • Are curious about how vehicles operate.  
  • May be interested in entrepreneurship and running their own business.  
  • Are adaptable and enjoy learning about new and evolving technologies.  
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and are interested in delivering a positive customer experience.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Get a hands-on education that will prepare you for this trade: 

  • Learn by doing in Loyalist’s state-of-the-art The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre. 
  • Practise your skills on real vehicles and vehicle components in a safe learning environment. 
  • Gain practical knowledge of safe environmental practices and small business management. 
  • Get experience working with various types of engines, including traditional, hybrid, and electric models. 
  • Enjoy potential extracurricular opportunities including the Show and Shine event, Drive to Survive, Santa Claus parade, Heels on Wheels, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. 
  • Selected parts of the course content mirrors that of the three levels of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

Learn with an experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty team: 

  • Professors are licensed Automotive Technicians recognized and in good standing with the Skilled Trades Ontario, with experience teaching high school and college automotive programs. 
  • The program coordinator has been recognized with Outstanding Achievement Awards from the Canadian Auto Workers and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs. 

Courses

AMST1026 Applied Work Practices 1

Students learn safe shop practices, housekeeping skills and related environmental practices, as well as basic working knowledge of recommended trade information resources, tools, air conditioning, hydraulics and welding. Co-requisite: AMST 1027

COMP1009 Computer Skills

This course will offer students basic computer skills relating to operations of a personal computer, as well as standard software programs used across the automotive industry. The basics of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Internet Explorer, will all be explored this semester.

AMST1028 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel Basics

Students develop a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of electrical system circuits and components, batteries, starting systems, charging systems, wiring diagrams, fuel diesel, exhaust and emission systems.

AMST1027 Engine Systems 1

Students gain a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of internal combustion engine assemblies, sealants, lubrication systems, and cooling systems. Co-requisite: AMST 1026

COMM1013 Interpersonal Skills

The demonstration of cross-counter customer relations, presentations, explanations and interpretations of estimates and work orders are an essential component of this course.

MATH1046 Trade Calculations

Mathematics is designed to review and enhance the student's basic math skills. Students will be discouraged from using calculators and encouraged to use their own abilities to make calculations and solve problems in the areas of fractions, decimals, metric, ratio and percent.

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

AMST1031 Electronics and Fuel 1

Students develop a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of electrical system circuits and components, batteries, wiring diagrams, fuel diesel, exhaust and emission systems. Prerequisite: AMST 1028

AMST1029 Gear Trains 1

Students demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of train components, clutches, transmissions and drive line units. Prerequisite: AMST 1026

AMST1007 Parts/Supplies

Students are encouraged to use open dialogue around issues faced on the job. Areas of focus will include: working as a team, communication with other departments, working with difficult managers and co-workers, and making opportunities for advancement.

AMST1030 Suspension, Steering & Brakes1

Students demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension, steering and hydraulic and air brake systems. Prerequisite: AMST 1026

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

AMST2013 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel 2

Instruction will be given in the following areas: electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams, test equipment, cranking and charging systems, ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, emission controls and engine management. The electrical, electronics and fuel systems module is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams and applied test equipment, electronics definitions, fundamentals and applied test equipment, cranking systems and control circuits, charging systems and control circuits, engine management/ignition systems, engine management/fuel characteristics, carburetor and intake manifold heating systems, engine management/gasoline electronic fuel injection systems, and engine management/emission control systems. Prerequisite: AMST 1031

AMST2012 Engine Systems 2

Instruction will be given in the following areas: internal combustion engine definitions and fundamentals, cylinder head and valve train assemblies and components. Applied work practices and procedures are designed to demonstrate a working knowledge of cylinder head and valve train assemblies and components. Students will also learn about the construction, operating principals, testing and servicing of engine component failure diagnosis and reconditioning, superchargers, turbochargers, controls and operation. Prerequisite: AMST 1027

AMST2011 Gear Trains 2

Instruction will be given in the following areas: clutches and controls, manual trans-axles and differentials and automatic transmissions. Instruction in motive power gear trains is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of manual trans-axles, differentials and axle assemblies and automatic transmissions. Prerequisite: AMST 1029

BUSI2007 Small Business Management

Students learn a working knowledge of the organization and the behaviours of management, shop management, layouts, applied business in the motive power industry and setting goals and objectives in connection with time management. Students are able to obtain a working knowledge of the organizational behaviour, shop management and applied business practice skills in the motive power industry. The student will also employ appropriate strategies in setting goals and objectives and demonstrate appropriate time management skills.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

MGMT2006 Applied Management Principles

This course demonstrates a working knowledge of shop systems, human and physical resource management, organizational behaviour and customer/employee/employer relations. Prerequisite: BUSI 2007

AMST2015 Applied Work Practices 2

Instruction will be given in the following areas: climatic control systems, shielded metal arc welding and business practices. Applied work practices and procedures are designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of climate control systems, shielded metal arc welding and applied business practices. Prerequisite: AMST 1026

AMST2014 Electrical, Electronics, and Fuel 3

Instruction will be given in the following areas: electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams, test equipment, cranking and charging systems, ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, emission controls and engine management. The electrical, electronics and fuel systems module is designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of electrical definitions and fundamentals of circuits, wiring diagrams and applied test equipment, electronics definitions, fundamentals and applied test equipment, cranking systems and control circuits, charging systems and control circuits, engine management/ignition systems, engine management/fuel characteristics, carburetor and intake manifold heating systems, engine management/gasoline electronic fuel injection systems, and engine management/emission control systems. Prerequisite: AMST 2013

AMST2016 Suspension, Steering and Brakes 2

Instruction will be given in the following areas: suspension and alignment, brake systems. The suspension, steering and brake modules are designed to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of suspension alignment and brake systems. Prerequisite: AMST 1030

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

A professor is working with a group of students in the motive power technician- service and management program. The professor and student are surrounded by automotive vehicles and relevant tools and gears. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Grade 12 Math 

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.  

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 
  • Additional Program Costs: $746 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Schulich Builders 

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program. 

Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year: 

  • Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and 
  • Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs

Learn more and apply today!

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 
  • Additional Program Costs: $746 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

A motive power fundamentals student is working on a car. The student is wearing goggles, long sleeved jacket and jeans. There are two other students behind observing. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

  • Expand your options with a double diploma in another college program in as few as two semesters. 
  • Fast track into an apprenticeship  
    • The skills and experience you gain in Loyalist’s two-year Motive Power Technician – Service and Management diploma program can help you jump-start your apprenticeship journey! Learn how.  
    • Information about qualification requirements leading to certification is available on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website. You can also contact an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you. 

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.  

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