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Programs

Motive Power Technician – Service and Management

VMTNSchool of Skilled Trades

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Andre Boulanger

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7934
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Add mechanical talents and troubleshooting skills to your passion for vehicles

Hands-on training in our state-of-the-art automotive shop combined with classroom learning prepares you to service repairs on all subsystems found in today’s gas-powered and hybrid vehicles.

Special focus is placed on basic automotive repair, along with servicing electrical systems and components according to manufacturing procedures. After covering the basics, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair everything from steering, suspension, and brakes to computer systems, fuel injection systems, and emission systems. Our program features an optional, paid co-op where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Capped enrolment 
  • 50/50 split between the automotive shop and classroom training 
  • Educational partnership with ConsuLab 
  • Diploma equates to three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification 
  • Optional paid co-op to gain industry training 
  • Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations

  • Automotive-related courses

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
APP 1101Trades Practice & Applications I 16
SID 1205Computer Methods – Trades2
SSB 1151Steering/Suspension/Brakes I 16
DTS 1141Drive Train Systems I 15
ENG 1002College Communications3
 Credits22
Semester 2
ELC 1217Electrical & Electronics I 16
MOT 1000Gas Engines I 15
FLS 1000Basic Fuel System & Fuel Manag 17
One General Education course. 23
 Credits21
Semester 3
APP 1000Repairer s Rights and Responsibilities 12
ELC 2303Electrical Systems & Electronics 18
ENG 1780Applied Communication II2
MOT 1002Gas Engines II 13
PWT 2305Power Train Controls II 14
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 4
DTS 2401Drive Train System II 15
EFI 2401Electronic Fuel Injection Systems 15
PRS 1430Personal Relations Skill & Attitude 12
SSB 1411Steering/Suspension/ABS Brakes 14
ACS 1000Air Conditioning Systems 4RS4
One General Education course. 23
 Credits23
 Total Credits88
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,149.94Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,245.32Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Skilled Trades

Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities as:

  • General automotive service technicians
  • Specialty technicians (e.g., electrical/driveability, transmission)
  • Service advisors/consultants
  • Automotive parts/retail salespersons
  • Manufacturing/fabricating/custom work employees
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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