Student working on the underside of a large vehicle in a garage

Program Explorer

Automotive Technician

Tune up your automotive expertise and transform your knowledge of motor vehicles into career success.

Learn to professionally maintain motor vehicles and adapt to the ever-evolving automotive industry.

Through the Automotive Technician program, you will build the skills needed to professionally repair cars and light trucks and start a successful career in the automotive industry. 

Through this program, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of vehicle systems and explore the purpose, design, operation and maintenance requirements of various vehicle components. 

Most of your training will take place in RRC Polytech’s auto mechanics workshop, an environment that gives you the practical experience required for industry employment. You’ll also work onsite as part of a field experience opportunity, building work experience and expanding your professional network with an industry partner.

As an Automotive Technician student, you can choose to complete a one-year certificate or enhance your employment potential and explore advanced opportunities through a two-year diploma.

Certificate: After completing the first year of this program, you can choose to graduate with an Automotive Technician certificate and start your career.

Diploma: Choose to continue your education and graduate with an Automotive Technician diploma.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credentials
    Certificate and Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1-2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $5,900 – $13,100
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll build the practical skills, industry connections and work experience you need to start a successful career as an automotive technician. After completing a one-year certificate, you can choose to continue with a two-year diploma and enter the electronic technician field.

TERM 1

Develop the foundational skills and safe work practices you need to begin repairing automobiles and light trucks.

TERM 2

Apply and expand your foundational skills and learn to repair and maintain automobiles.

TERM 3

Gain practical field experience at an automotive repair facility. After successfully completing Term 3, you can graduate with a certificate or continue (Terms 4-6) and pursue a diploma.

TERM 4

Explore electrical theory and develop diagnostic skills in real-world scenarios. Complete a second field experience at an automotive repair facility.

TERM 5

Focus your knowledge on diagnostics and advanced systems while exploring electric vehicles, vehicle performance and driveline diagnostics.

TERM 6

Explore starting and charging systems, sharpen and combine your practical skills and practice professional communication in preparation for a diploma and career.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Service technician
  • Service advisor
  • Service manager
  • Shop foreperson
  • Parts advisor
  • Fixed base operations manager
  • Technical service representative
  • Parts manager
  • Industry sales representative
  • Instructor
  • General manager
  • Automotive repair shop owner 
  • Product trainer

AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Three automotive students working on a vehicle in a shop
Learn from expert instructors in shops that match real working conditions, developing the skills you need to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Two automotive students working on a car with the hood popped up in a shop
Work on live vehicles to develop crucial diagnostic skills in the Notre Dame Campus’s state-of-the-art workshop facilities.
Two automotive students working on a vehicle's tire in a shop
Explore crucial vehicle systems and industry-standard techniques on your road to becoming an expert and lifelong learner.
Two automotive students working on a vehicle in a shop
Take advantage of small class sizes, practical experience and industry-partnered instructors – all essential to RRC Polytech’s applied-learning approach.
Three automotive students working on a vehicle's tire in a shop
Solve real-world problems, explore core vehicle systems and diagnose common issues – all through practical, experiential learning.
Three automotive students working on a vehicle in a shop
Put theory into practice and develop crucial communication skills and industry connections through a co-op work experience.
Automotive student looking at the undercarriage of a vehicle in a shop
Combine your passion for vehicles with our industry-focused program and become a valuable part of any team and a critical part of this dynamic industry.

Applied Research

Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact

RRC Polytech is a leader in applied research in Canada. Matching industry needs with College resources and facilities drives innovation and growth in our province — and beyond.

Connect theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute to industry advancements as part of this program.

Learn more about Applied Research ›

RRC Polytech Applied Research logo

Graduate Success

RRC Polytech graduates confidently start their careers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. In addition to technical skills, you’ll graduate from the Automotive Technician program with the communication and leadership skills you need to continue learning, specialize your knowledge and pursue new opportunities.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Twoautomotive students working on a vehicle in a shop

94% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Take advantage of RRC Polytech’s connection with industry leaders to expand your network and quickly start your career. Many grads meet their future employers before graduation and use the theoretical, practical and communication skills gained at RRC Polytech to become a vital part of their organization.

96% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

As Canada’s automotive mechanic industry continues to grow, RRC Polytech’s Automotive Technician graduates are well-equipped to take control of their careers, take advantage of new technology and make an immediate impact on the industry.

Automotive student standing in a shop
Automotive student working on a vehicle in a garage

100% – RECOMMEND PROGRAM TO OTHERS

At RRC Polytech, we focus on helping you achieve your career goals. Whether you’re a student or a recent graduate, you’ll have access to exclusive job postings, Career Services support and networking opportunities – all dedicated to helping you enhance your professional potential.

“The diploma program started me on the path to this position by encouraging me to take a learning and growth-minded approach to my career.”

Dean Peterson – General Manager
Focus Hyundai

“Red River College Polytechnic has given me the skills and training to become a successful automotive technician and business owner.”

Andrew Sirett – Owner
Simcoe Motors Ltd.
Photo of Matthew Silva

“The hands-on and the actual applicable knowledge that the instructors had was amazing to me. They’ve definitely been there, done that — you ask them a question, they’ve come across it.”

Matthew Silva – Service Manager
Hi-Tech Automotive

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As an Automotive Technician student, you have a passion for cars. You love going off-road and exploring the unknown and want to feel challenged every day. You also enjoy working with your hands and take pride in your attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Critical thinker
  • Independent
  • Outgoing
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Adaptability
  • Positive attitude
  • Reliability
  • Troubleshooting
  • Work ethic

INTERESTS

  • Cars
  • Electronics
  • Electrical
  • Diagnostics
  • Trucks
  • Performance tuning
  • Tools
  • Engines
  • Automotive alterations
  • Electric vehicles

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›