Description
This program gives you an understanding of the basic purpose, construction, operation, and service of component parts and assemblies of an automobile.
You will develop the knowledge and skills required to disassemble, inspect, diagnose and repair motor vehicle units and components. You will study internal combustion engines, brakes, steering and suspensions, electrical circuits & wiring, and basic vehicle maintenance.
Most training will take place at RRC Polytech’s auto mechanics workshop, an environment that will give you the practical experience required for industry employment.
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
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
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.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
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.
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
| 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. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| CLB (LINC)
(Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| LSI (Language Studies International) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English) | 58 | 58 | 58 | 42 |
| 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 costs $139 to take through RRC Polytech.
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.
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. ) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| 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. | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 |
Automotive mechanical work requires good hearing and eyesight, good physical coordination of the whole body, and some strength. You should enjoy working with your hands. Because the work can be intricate, you should have good finger dexterity and be mechanically inclined.
You will need a tolerance for working with grease and oil, and for exposure to various levels of exhaust fumes, dust, and dirt. Reading comprehension is important to successfully complete the required related courses: English, math, and science.
If you are seriously considering a career as an auto mechanic you should be prepared for some shift work, and should be able to work under some supervision.
You should also be prepared for late shifts at the College during your training, as courses in the program may run until 6:00 p.m. from time to time.
| Location | Start Date | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame Campus | Aug 25, 2025 | Apply Now |
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.
Red River College Polytechnic is a participating institution in the HigherEdPoints program. Through this program, students are able to convert Aeroplan® Miles and TD Points into funds to help cover their tuition. Family members and friends can also contribute to a student’s education by converting their loyalty points - anyone can donate their points to an individual student.
Visit the HigherEdPoints website for more information about the program and/or to set up an account to convert your points.
(No description available at this time)
The Advanced Engine Repair course is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the operation and repair of the internal combustion engine. The course will cover engine diagnosis and repair, cooling and lubrication systems, engine disassembly and reassembly, as well as the replacement of timing belts and chains.
This course will introduce students to the common service and maintenance procedures performed on vehicles and light trucks. Topics will include inspection, service and fluid exchange procedures for: engines, transmissions, differentials, transfer cases, power steering and brake systems. Basic undercarriage and underhood inspection as well as seasonal maintenance procedures will also be explored.
This course will cover the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of various steering and suspension systems and components.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about braking systems when working with today's automotive vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, the unit covers hydraulic principles and the types of braking systems including their components and operation. The unit also covers the procedures used to adjust, diagnose, repair and replace braking system components. A thorough review of math calculations will be included as well as Pascal's law of hydraulic fluids.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about tires, wheels, driveshafts, and axles when working with modern vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, the unit covers tire codes and sidewall markings, types of driveshafts and axles, as well as the tools and equipment related to tires, wheels and drivelines. This course also covers procedures used to diagnose, repair, and replace tires, wheel assemblies, hubs, TPMS sensors, u-joints, and CV Axles.
This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of the Service Advisor in the Transportation industry.
This course will cover the fundamentals of electronics and solid state devices, electromagnetism, and starting and charging systems. It is designed to build on the principles learned in the Basic Electrical course (AUTO-1215).
This course will cover the fundamentals of drivelines in the modern automotive vehicle. Topics to be included are clutches, differentials, standard and automatic transmissions. Maintenance and minor service procedures relating to these systems will also be explored.
Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. By developing their communication skills, the student will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare the student for success in the workplace. In Communication Strategies, the student will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. The strategies the student will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
This is the field experience portion of the Service Advisor course. In this course the students will spend time in the industry, shadowing and learning from a service advisor.
This course is designed to familiarize the student with primary diesel fuel system components on mobile equipment. Course material will cover the characteristics of fuels and how each component functions under various operating conditions. Safe handling of fuels along with testing, diagnosing, and servicing of components will also be covered in a shop environment.
This course will allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to overhaul a diesel engine,components or subassemblies.This is a hands-on course that allows students the time to become proficient in the use of tools, manuals and measuring equipment, while following OEM overhaul procedures.
This course is designed to provide knowledge on the maintenance and repair of lawn and garden equipment including lawn mowers, snowblowers, garden tractors, chainsaws, and other hand held gasoline powered equipment. Safe handling and operation of equipment will be demonstrated; diagnosing and correcting problems in the ignition system, fuel system, and drive system will be practiced; blade and chain sharpening will be practiced.
This course is designed for performance minded students. Engine modifications for increased power output will be discussed as well as turbo and supercharger operation. Fuel system mapping and carburetor tuning will be demonstrated utilizing our Dynojet 250ix motorcycle/ATV dynamometer. Continuously variable transmission tuning and marine propping theory will be provided.
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use mathematics with precision, resourcefulness and confidence as it applies to the automotive service trade. Beginning with a review of basic mathematical operations, this course of study will progress towards the more advanced mathematical topic areas that an automotive service technician needs to work with in order to perform the tasks of the trade in an effective and accurate fashion.
This course will provide students with the knowledge and hands-on skills that are required to safely and effectively use hand and power tools, shop equipment, and fasteners. Safe vehicle hoisting and jacking will be taught. Instruction will include basic shop operations and the use of the measuring tools and metal fabrication tools that are used to cut, drill and tap metal. The use of V.I.N. numbers, service information, and the preparation of trade related documents may also be covered.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about the basic scientific principles on which the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems of the automobile are based. Matter and energy, heat and thermodynamics, metallurgy, simple machines, basic hydraulics, basic electricity and basic engine fundamentals and engine performance calculations are the areas that will be covered in this course.
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.
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge of relevant electrical principles and ideas used on modern vehicles and equipment. The course will look at terminology, design, and components used in electrical circuits. Series and parallel circuits, diagnostic test equipment usage, schematics, symbols, and theory and maintenance of batteries will be covered.
This course will enable students to develop the necessary skills to
distinguish between a four-cycle and two-cycle engine, and perform common engine
calculations like displacement and compression ratio. Students will be able
to identify engine components and their function, and maintenance requirements and
relationship to engine operation. Shop activities will allow students to demonstrate
proper procedures for measurement, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion
engines. Lubrication, cooling, intake, and exhaust systems will be discussed.
This course is a continuation of TRAN-1003 Electrical Fundamentals. This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of vehicle and equipment electrical systems. An introduction to starting, charging, and ignition systems will be covered. The diagnosis and repair of these systems and circuits using tools, schematics, and service information will be practiced.
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.
Transferring credits from high school
Transferring credits to other Red River College Polytechnic programs
Graduates will be qualified to apply for the Automotive Technician - Diploma program offered by the College. This 30-week program has been designed to meet the demand for training in new technology. It supplements the certificate program and will prepare you to work in the automotive electronic field.
Apprenticeship opportunities
Graduates may be granted up to one level of in-school training towards the four-year motor vehicle mechanics apprenticeship program. Time credit, which reduces the length of your apprenticeship, is at the discretion of the employer and Apprenticeship Manitoba. During the next three levels of the apprenticeship program (there are four in total), you will be required by Apprenticeship Manitoba to return to the College for additional theoretical and practical training.
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.
Graduates of this program have found employment in service stations, dealerships, large corporations, farming communities and allied industries where they work in service/repair, sales or parts distribution.
Graduates who have entered apprenticeship programs and reached the journeyperson level work as: