Automotive Fundamentals
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code8208
- Credential NameMotive Power Fundamentals
- Credential TypeOntario College Certificate
- SchoolSchool of Motive Power and Trades
- Program TypeCertificate program
- Program Length1 year/ 2 semesters
- LocationAshtonbee Campus
- Emailkpratt@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
The Motive Power Fundamentals program will prepare you to work in a variety of employment settings in both large and small organizations, such as dealerships, service and repair shops, and retail stores.
In the program, you'll learn to identify basic motive power system problems, to inspect and test basic motive power components and systems, and to use a variety of test equipment to support vehicle transportation systems. Because the program is facilitated from Ashtonbee Campus, which houses fully outfitted labs, you'll also be equipped with safe working practices in the use of machinery, tools and equipment. Finally, you'll be able to perform customer service functions, and to apply basic communication, documentation, information technology and computer skills to support a motive power environment.
Upon completion of Motive Power Fundamentals you'll be accredited with Level 1 in-school apprenticeship training. In addition to Level 1 training, students will also take an electric vehicle course focusing on safety, high voltage, and system architecture. This will allow you to enter the workforce directly after graduation or to transfer directly into the second year of Centennial's Automotive Motive Power diploma program to further expand and build on your skill set.
Program Overview
The Motive Power Fundamentals program will prepare you to work in a variety of employment settings in both large and small organizations, such as dealerships, service and repair shops, and retail stores.
In the program, you'll learn to identify basic motive power system problems, to inspect and test basic motive power components and systems, and to use a variety of test equipment to support vehicle transportation systems. Because the program is facilitated from Ashtonbee Campus, which houses fully outfitted labs, you'll also be equipped with safe working practices in the use of machinery, tools and equipment. Finally, you'll be able to perform customer service functions, and to apply basic communication, documentation, information technology and computer skills to support a motive power environment.
Upon completion of Motive Power Fundamentals you'll be accredited with Level 1 in-school apprenticeship training. In addition to Level 1 training, students will also take an electric vehicle course focusing on safety, high voltage, and system architecture. This will allow you to enter the workforce directly after graduation or to transfer directly into the second year of Centennial's Automotive Motive Power diploma program to further expand and build on your skill set.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
This program includes an electric vehicle course focusing on safety, high voltage, and system architecture.
Career Outlook
- Level 1 Automotive Service Technician Apprentice
- Automotive apprentice technician
- Automotive technician (following apprenticeship)
Education Pathways
Graduates of this certificate program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial College for credits toward further study at the degree level.
Listed below are institutions offering credits for this program. Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the institution.
| Institution | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in Multiple majors |
Visit our Outgoing Educational Pathways search page for more information on pathways and transfer credits.
You can use this Education Pathways Checklist as a guide to help with your education journey.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent, or take the Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,485.33 | $4,206.33 |
| International | $18,254.00 | $1,983.28 | $20,237.28 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Identify basic motive power system problems by using critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.
- Identify, inspect, and test basic engine components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Identify, inspect, and test basic electrical, electronic, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Identify, inspect, and test basic drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Identify, inspect, and test basic suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
- Use a variety of test equipment to assess basic electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.
- Apply basic knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and inspection of basic motive power systems and subsystems.
- Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards.
- Use information technology and computer skills to access data concerning repair procedures and manufacturers' updates.
- Prepare logs, records, and documentation to appropriate standards.
- Apply business practices and communication skills to improve customer service.
- Develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships.
- Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.
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Kathryn Pratt, School of Transportation Instructor, Automotive Service Technician, GraduateI didn’t want to sit in front of a desk all day long. I was a kid that would take things apart. I always worked with my hands, and knew it was something I’d be interested in. Centennial’s also one of the largest schools of transportation in Ontario, so that was why I ended up going there.
Almost every professor has been to at least two shops in their career, and still maintains those connections. So this year, we had about 20-25 employers come in and interview our graduating Motive Power students in three-minute speed interviews, and about a third of those students got placed.
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