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Automotive technician

Looking for a hands-on automotive school that trains you to start a new career as an automotive technician?

Duration of training: 6 months (4h per day - morning or evening)
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Description of the training

Registrations now available!

In 6 months, you could be a trained automotive technician with the entry-level skills and proficiencies employers are looking for. It all starts with completing this core program of foundational courses that build your base knowledge from the ground up, and teach you how to diagnose and repair all major vehicle components, including engines, electronics, fuel and emission systems, transmissions, and body control systems like a true automotive professional.

ITA courses are designed for the real world and focus on the skills that hiring managers at auto repair and maintenance shops, car dealerships and tire shop want to see in their job applicants. Here are some examples of duties you may be called upon to perform:

Diagnostic Duties

The word “service” in Automotive service begins with you, the Automotive Technician. Our courses are set up with this fact in mind; technicians working in the field need to be capable of working with and understanding customers, clearly explaining complex technical issues, and setting customer expectations. Satisfied customers are repeat customers. For example:

  • Listening to and working with customers to understand their vehicle questions

  • Performing diagnoses using computerized diagnostic tools

  • Communicating problems and solutions to customers, clearly explaining all options

  • Explaining pricing

  • Accurately estimating the time needed for repairs

Mechanical Duties

Technicians often find themselves performing actual repair work on vehicles of all makes and models. These types of repairs include wear and tear and other damage to many parts of modern vehicles. For example:

  • Oil changes

  • Engine performance diagnosis and repair

  • Drive train replacement

  • Wheel alignment & retraining the tracking control system

  • Brake wear diagnosis and replacement

Electrical Duties

Modern automobiles utilize extremely complex electrical systems, as computers assist with many daily driving tasks even in the most basic cars. ITA’s Automotive Technology graduates are prepared to maintain and repair these vital systems. For example:

  • Accident avoidance systems

  • Automated parking assistance systems

  • Braking and ABS controls

  • Electronically-shifted transmissions

  • Power and electronically-assisted steering systems

  • Hybrid power systems (overview)

We believe the best training comes from learning in a realistic setting, like the auto repair shops you see in every community. So, by design, our students receive on-the-job-style, hands-on training, in what was an actual working automotive repair shop. What better way to prepare our graduates, along with the practical skills you need to succeed, for a smooth transition to the workforce.

All of the courses in the ITA Automotive Technician program include the use of hand and specialty tools, commonly associated with the trade, such as:

  • Common and specialty hand tools

  • Wheel balancers

  • Alignment machine

  • Engine and vehicle diagnostic equipment

  • Brake lathes

  • Automotive lifts

  • Engine hoists

  • Service information databases

Some areas of technology study include computer controls and electronic diagnostics; brakes, steering and suspensions; transmissions and transaxles; and automotive heating and air conditioning. In each of our courses, we also emphasize important job safety procedures.

We want to invite you to experience our program for yourself. Our admissions team is ready to answer any questions you might have about it, so feel free to reach out for additional details. If you’re interested in visiting in person, we’d be happy to arrange a visit to our school so you can see our students and instructors in action.

The modules present in the training
Program Goal

To prepare students to enter the automotive technology field by studying the major automotive systems and the procedures for troubleshooting and repairing those systems.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the ITA Automotive Technician program, students will be able to...

  • Identify automotive systems and engine components, and describe how the systems and parts work together to make a vehicle run

  • Describe the process of removing an engine from a vehicle and performing an engine rebuild

  • Recognize safety procedures that should be followed in an automotive repair shop, and list the various hand tools and specialized tools used when working with automotive systems

  • Recognize the steps necessary to attain certification in the automotive repair field

  • Identify different types of engines and the factors that affect engine performance

  • Describe how to perform routine maintenance procedures, including oil changes and tune-ups

  • Identify the theory and operation of automotive systems, including the cooling, lubrication, ignition, fuel, and electrical systems

  • Recognize how to troubleshoot problems on automotive systems, including lubrication, fuel, cooling, ignition, and electrical systems

  • Explain how to inspect and work on a vehicle's brake system

  • Identify vehicle computer systems, including how they allow technicians to diagnose and repair system malfunctions

  • Describe the steering and suspension systems, including the alignment process, and identify how worn parts affect a vehicle

In today's fast moving society, millions of people rely on trained Automotive Technicians to keep their vehicles’ on the go.

Objectives:

  • Discuss the employment possibilities available in the auto repair field.

  • List and describe the steps needed to attain Comité paritaire de l'industrie des services automobiles (CPA) in Quebec, and the Red Seal certification for all the other Canadian provinces in the auto servicing field

  • Name and describe the eight repair areas and operating systems in a vehicle.

  • Define the bore and stroke of an internal combustion engine.

  • Describe the basic operation of a four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine.

  • Define the terms for how engines are rated: torque, horsepower, displacement, and compression ratio.

The most important component in any car is the engine. It’s also the most serviced component. A complete understanding of engine components and operation is the first step toward engine repair.

Objectives:

  • Name and identify the components of the lower-end assembly of an internal combustion engine.

  • Explain the functions of the components of an internal combustion engine and how they work together to create power for a vehicle.

  • Discuss the impact that lower-end assembly component composition and design has on engine performance and cost.

The components and systems that you’ve already learned about work in conjunction with the ones you'll learn in this lesson.

Objectives:

  • Name and identify the components of the upper-end assembly of an internal combustion engine.

  • Explain the functions of the components of an internal combustion engine and how they work together to create power for a vehicle.

  • Discuss the impact that upper-end assembly component composition and design has on engine performance and cost.

Remaining safe from personal injury, not damaging the vehicles you service or the environment around you, and using tools and equipment properly are critical elements of a career in Automotive Repair.

Objectives:

  • Identify and describe the safety practices and procedures used in an automotive shop.

  • Describe the tools used in an automotive shop and explain how they’re used, including online service information.

New technicians usually begin their careers with oil changes and basic systems maintenance, including cooling systems, fluids checks, filter replacements, and tire services.

Objectives:

  • Describe how to complete a repair order.

  • Demonstrate use of the three Cs (concern, cause, and correction).

  • Explain why it’s important to review the vehicle’s service history.

  • Explain the routing of a repair order in a typical new car/truck dealership.

  • Explain how to perform automotive engine oil and filter changes.

  • Perform routine vehicle fluid and maintenance checks.

  • Explain how to replace windshield wiper blades.

  • Describe how to rotate tires.

  • Describe how to install wheels and tighten lug nuts using a torque wrench in the proper sequence.

Cars and light trucks have many major interactive systems, which are based on the applications of certain scientific and mathematical concepts.

Objectives:

  • Add and subtract decimal numbers and demonstrate how to multiply and divide.

  • Convert metric units of measurement by moving the decimal point.

  • Demonstrate the basic features of a calculator to add metric units and calculate percentages.

  • Explain ratios and relate this mathematical concept to automotive technology.

  • Estimate the compression ratio of an engine from measurements, compare the estimate with the engine specifications, determine how the ratio would change if the cylinder head were milled, and consider the effect on other engine parameters.

  • Use formulas to calculate torque, horsepower, and engine displacement for an internal combustion engine.

  • Read charts and graphs.

  • Explain energy, heat, temperature, thermodynamics, and pressure/vacuum and how they relate to gasoline-fueled automotive engines.

  • Define Newton’s three laws of motion.

  • Describe the applications of hydraulics in automotive technology.

Learn to diagnose problems and repair the most important and most serviced component of any car...the engine.

Objectives:

  • Explain the importance of engine coolant systems.

  • Learn how to diagnose and repair cooling system problems.

  • Learn the methods used to diagnose and repair engine problems.

  • Know the causes of engine noises.

  • Know the tests used to determine engine condition.

  • Learn the steps involved in performing compression tests and cylinder leakage tests.

  • Learn the procedures for engine removal.

  • Learn how to reassemble an engine.

With the introduction of computer controls and electrically powered convenience items, the electrical system has become a big part of a vehicle and its repair.

Objectives:

  • Explain the fundamentals of electricity, circuits, and their units of measure.

  • Apply electrical laws to circuits to troubleshoot and correct electrical problems.

  • Explain how networks and serial communication are used in modern vehicles.

  • Explain battery composition, construction, and functions within a vehicle.

  • Discuss the components and operation of a vehicle’s electrical systems and how to test and repair them.

Today’s automobiles and light trucks have sophisticated HVAC systems that need to be serviced regularly.

Objectives:

  • Describe how an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system works.

  • Explain the air-conditioning refrigeration cycle and describe the operation of the expansion valve and orifice tube.

  • Learn how to service, diagnose, and repair heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning problems.

Keeping an engine in top running condition requires an understanding of fuel, ignition, and emissions systems.

Objectives:

  • Identify and explain the characteristics of automotive fuels.

  • Describe the operation of computerized gasoline-engine ignition systems and their service.

  • Discuss the operation of computerized gasoline-engine system sensors and their service.

  • Explain the operation of gasoline-engine system fuel supply and return systems and their service.

  • Describe the operation of computerized gasoline-engine emission control systems and their service.

  • Discuss the operation of the OBD-II system and its service using electronic service tools, such as a scan tool and multimeters.

  • Explain GDI fuel systems, including Diesel fuel injection

No one would want a car with faulty brakes. It’s one of the most important systems of an automobile.

Objectives:

  • Learn how to service and maintain the braking systems.

  • Understand how the drum brake and disc brake systems operate.

  • Understand the function of an antilock braking system.

  • Troubleshoot and service a vehicle with antilock brakes.

  • Regenerative braking systems for Hybrid & Electric vehicles (overview)

  • Accident avoidance systems (overview)

The suspension and steering systems keep the car firmly on the road in all kinds of weather.

Objectives:

  • Discuss the operation of wheels and tires and describe their diagnosis and repair.

  • Describe the operation of the suspension system and explain the diagnosis and repair of steering and suspension systems.

  • Identify wheel alignment angles and describe the diagnosis and adjustments used for a four-wheel alignment service.

Transmissions use an engine’s power to create motion. Control over that power is what manual transmissions are all about.

Objectives:

  • Explain the operation of a manual transmission or transaxle clutch system.

  • Describe the diagnosis and service of the clutch, flywheel, and control mechanisms.

  • Explain the operation, diagnosis, and service of a manual transmission and transaxle.

  • Discuss the operation, diagnosis, and service of driveshafts, U-joints, constant velocity (CV) joints, and differentials in the final drive.

  • Describe the operation of four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems.

  • Explain the diagnosis and service of the transfer case, hubs, and control system.

Transmissions can automatically control an engine’s power in modern complex automobiles.

Objectives:

  • Explain the operation of an automatic transmission and transaxle system, as well as that of the mechanical and hydraulic components.

  • Describe the diagnosis and service of an automatic transmission and transaxle system.

  • Explain the operation of an automatic transmission and transaxle, including subcomponents and measurements.

At ITA, when you finish the in-school portion of our Automotive Technician program with success, you are required to complete a 28-day paid apprenticeship.

This self-arranged and/or ITA facilitated apprenticeship placement allows you to seek out and gain experience as an automotive technician, while earning the hours taken into consideration by the “Comité paritaire de l'industrie des services automobiles (CPA)”.

Objectives:

  • Mandatory registration with CPA Quebec as an apprentice. The employer cannot hire a candidate who has not complied with this provision*.

  • Apply the 224+ hours earned from the student’s work-study to the hours needed to obtain a certificate of qualification with CPA Quebec or to admit the candidate to the CPA Quebec professional qualification examination.

  • Increase the appeal to employers looking for people with some real work experience.

* This rule does not apply to companies or government agencies operating a vehicle fleet, but the hours earned count toward CPA certification.

Career Opportunities

As an Automotive Technician, you can apply your knowledge and skills to a variety of different environments as you pursue your passion. The automotive industry is ripe with change as new vehicle technology, and high-tech systems are now considered standard equipment.

So, what does an automotive technician do when he or she wants a more distinctive career? Some technicians choose to specialize in specific automotive work like:

  • Electronic & Electrical Technicians – Will inspect and test complex electrical or electronic systems to locate, diagnose and repair malfunctions, using visual inspections and testing instruments, such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters, among others

  • Automotive Air Conditioning Technicians – These specialists install, diagnose, and repair car air conditioners and parts such as condensers, compressors, and refrigerants.

  • Brake and Front-End Technicians – Often combined into one role, these specialists are responsible for diagnosing and repairing brakes, brake pads, front end suspension, and electric steering.

  • Transmission Technicians – This is a job for the computer savvy mechanic. Transmission technicians must be able to use technology to diagnose and repair electrical and hydraulic problems.

  • Drivability Technicians – These technicians are also known as diagnostic technicians and are responsible for diagnosing engine malfunctions.

  • High-Performance Vehicle Technician – High-performance means more training so that you perform at the top of your game; racing teams and performance car enthusiasts alike, depend on it.

Other technicians, once they've gained a suitable level of experience, choose to focus their careers on servicing vehicles from particular manufacturers or regions of the world (e.g., North American, European, or Japanese makes and models).

Know that multiple paths exist in the automotive trade for those who want to match their interests to their careers.

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Rapid access

to the job market !

 

Targeted occupations

  • Automotive Technician Apprentice

  • Chief Mechanic

  • Automotive Service Advisor

  • Collision Damage Estimator

  • Automotive Parts & Accessories Advisor

  • Service Manager

Work places

  • Car and truck dealerships

  • Automotive service shops

  • Auto parts stores

  • Fleet companies

  • High-performance auto shops

  • Auto-racing teams

Salary

  • Montreal Region
    Average salary: 23$/hr

  • Province of Quebec
    Average salary: 22$/hr

  • Canada
    Average salary: 24$/hr

* The average salary comes in at $43,730. The top 10 percent earned $66,950 or more annually.

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