FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS AUTDF-DP Automotive Technician-Diploma

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Overview

  • One-year diploma
  • September entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • This program usually fills with Manitoba residents.Out-of-province applicants may apply to this program but will only be considered should seats be available three months prior to the program start date.
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.

Description
This program supplements the Automotive Technician-Certificate program to develop the skills you need to work with advanced electrical and electronic systems in the automotive technician field.

Classroom instruction will broaden your knowledge in the automotive electronics area and will cover other advanced systems such as: engine management, fuel injection, and ABS brakes.

This is a not an apprenticeship program, but may provide credit transfer opportunities towards apprenticeship. The Government of Manitoba, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade offers apprenticeship training that combines on-the-job practical skills development with levels of technical training. If you are interested in applying to an apprenticeship program, please visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/discover/mbtrades/autoservicetech.html



Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Automotive, Auto/Power Mechanics, or Heavy Duty Equipment Education
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in:
      • The Automotive Technician-Certificate program, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic program, or Marine and Powersports Technician Education program at Red River College Polytechnic, Assiniboine Community College, or University College of the North. 
        or
      • The Automotive Technician-Work Experience program previously offered by Red River College with an average of 70% or better.
        or
      • A grade 12 automotive technology program, including:
        • One credit in each of the following courses:
          • Grade 12 English (40S)
          • Grade 12 Math (40S)
          • Grade 10 Science (20F)
        • A grade of 70% or better in both theory and practical.
        • Your transcript must indicate the program is accredited for Level 1 of Apprenticeship Manitoba’s Automotive Service Technician (AST) program.
        • If you apply while enrolled, you must provide a letter from your high school indicating the program is accredited for Level 1 of Apprenticeship Manitoba's AST program.
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • Post-secondary transcripts must have been issued within 6 months prior to your application date, and submitted in a sealed envelope directly from the post-secondary institution.
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Academic Requirement
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
      • Grade 10 English (20F)
      • Grade 10 Science (20F)
      • Grade 10 Applied Math (20S), Pre-Calculus Math (20S), or Grade 11 Consumer Math (30S) or Essential Math (30S)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment a time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2
              and
  3. Work Experience or Training
    • Submit proof of completion of two years appropriate work experience or training in the automotive service industry
    • This item is not due within 30 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8886
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60606050
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8886
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.55.5
LSI (Language Studies International)
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58585842
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.56.55.5
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.56.55.5
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20201918

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 2
$6,148.00
Books and Supplies
Year 2
$790.00
Other Fees
Year 2
$350.001
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 2
$18,721.00
1The College recommends that students provide their own hand tools for this program. The approximate cost of an entry level tool set may vary from $150 to $350 depending on the quality of the tools.

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ACCR-9100AC-227 Accreditation for Level 2
More Information

(No description available at this time)

AUTO-2061Automotive Electrical
More Information

The Automotive Electrical course is the foundation for all the other electrical courses within the Diploma program. Students will learn proficient and safe use of general test equipment such as voltmeter, ohmmeter and ammeter. Engaging students with a large amount of practical activities throughout the course, students will learn schematics and automotive related electrical components such as bulbs, switches, relays and circuit protection. Students will have the opportunity to learn electrical theory through a series of experiments including electromagnetism. 

AUTO-2063Starting and Charging
More Information

The Starting and Charging course is designed to be an advanced course focusing on safely and accurately testing starting and charging systems. Students will go through these systems in-depth, both conventional and computer-controlled systems. Students will test and diagnose live vehicles with various issues related to both systems.

Prerequisites:
Take AUTO-2061.
AUTO-2064Engine Management
More Information

The students will learn how to safely diagnose fuel and ignition systems as well as advanced engine management systems. Students will learn and test all the applicable sensors used in modern engine management systems, scan tool interpretation and usage.

Prerequisites:
AUTO-2071Electrical Diagnosis
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
AUTO-2077Manual Transmissions, Clutches, and Differentials
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and repair manual transmissions, clutches, and differentials when working with today’s automotive vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, this course covers the various types, and their components and operation with an emphasis on the procedures used to adjust, diagnose, and repair driveline components. 

AUTO-2081Suspension, Steering, and Alignment
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems on today’s automotive vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices this course covers types of steering and suspension systems, steering geometry principles, types of electronically controlled suspension systems and their components and operation. This course also covers procedures used to adjust, diagnose, repair, and replace a variety of suspension systems and components, including the procedure to perform a wheel alignment.

AUTO-2210Engine Diagnosis and Repair
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to confidently perform advance engine repairs. Students will perform diagnosis and evaluation of engine problems, including engine noises, related accessory noises, perform cylinder balance, perform vacuum leaks, testing crank case pressure, testing cylinder leak down testing. This course includes complete engine dis-assembly and re-assembly.

AUTO-2217HVAC
More Information

(No description available at this time)

AUTO-2218Vehicle Emissions & Performance
More Information

(No description available at this time)

AUTO-2219Electric Vehicles
More Information

(No description available at this time)

AUTO-3030Advanced Vehicle Service
More Information

The Advanced Vehicle Service course is the final section of the two year Automotive Technology Course. This course has been designed to incorporate all of the subject areas taken over the past two years and allow the student to enhance their skills and complete any practical tasks required for their portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on improving areas of weakness and to help prepare them to enter the workforce by improving communication and managing skills. Managers and guest speakers from the industry will be brought in to speak to students to help prepare them for a successful career in the automotive Industry. The Advanced Vehicle Service course includes both theory and practical instructional methods.

COMM-2177Communication for TransportationRPL
More Information

(No description available at this time)

FIEL-3000Field Experience
More Information

Students will have the opportunity of gaining valuable real-life field experience with an industry partner of their choice or one chosen by a core instructor. During this time, the student will shadow a licensed technician and observe actual repair and diagnostic techniques. Students will be responsible for recording all tasks and repairs into a College-issued Log Book during their time out in industry.

MATH-2196Advanced Math for Transportation
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and practice in mathematical operations for automotive technical problems. It is designed as a continuation of the Automotive Certificate Math course. Students will continue to develop advanced troubleshooting skills supported through mathematical prediction and expectation in subjects such as efficiency, algebra, area and volume, circuits, force, work, energy, power, and light.

SAFE-1028WHMIS
More Information

The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

SCIE-2023Advanced Science for Transportation
More Information

This course is designed to present a overview of how the major components and systems of the automobile work together as a continuation of Auto Certificate Science, from a perspective of "Energy Flow and Mechanical Advantage".

SEMR-9209General Safety Training
More Information

This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Transfer Credit Opportunities

Students graduating from this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive Level 2 apprenticeship accreditation in the Automotive Service Technician trade. Time credits are at the discretion of your employer and the Apprenticeship Manitoba.

During the next levels of the apprenticeship program (there are four in total), you will be required to complete additional theoretical and practical training as arranged by the Apprenticeship Branch. After you secure employment as a technician, you may obtain your journeyperson's license through apprenticeship training. 

For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

Further information on this program is available on the Transportation Trades team site:

Graduation Requirements

For students registered in the Automotive Technician Diploma program with a 2021-2022 Catalogue year, the requirements to graduate are as follows:

  • A minimum overall program GPA of 2.0 (as per RRC Polytech Policy A12)
  • The individual minimum passing course grade requirement is D (50%)
  • Accreditation for AST level 2 is achieved by completion of all courses and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Employment Potential

Graduates of this program have found employment in automotive service stations, dealerships, and specialty shops.

There is a high demand for qualified technicians with electrical and electronics skills. This program is designed to meet the needs of industry by developing technicians with these skills. 

Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.