Automotive Technician-Diploma at Red River College Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-18

Program overview

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Program overview

The Automotive Technician-Diploma program at Red River College Polytechnic is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the automotive technician field. This one-year diploma program focuses on advanced electrical and electronic systems, enhancing the foundational knowledge gained from the Automotive Technician-Certificate program. Students will engage in classroom instruction that covers critical areas such as engine management, fuel injection, and ABS brakes. The program is tailored for those looking to deepen their expertise in automotive technology and is not an apprenticeship program, although it may offer credit transfer opportunities towards apprenticeship training.

Program structure

The Automotive Technician-Diploma program is structured to provide comprehensive training over a one-year period. Key features of the program include:

Start date in September, allowing for timely entry into the automotive field.
Classes held at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg, providing a centralized location for students.
Focus on advanced automotive systems, including electrical and electronic components.
Opportunities for credit transfer towards apprenticeship programs, enhancing career prospects.

This program is particularly popular among Manitoba residents, with out-of-province applicants considered based on seat availability three months prior to the start date. It is important for applicants to be aware of the residency requirements and to contact the college for further information if needed.

Featured Experiences

The Automotive Technician-Diploma program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Hands-on training with advanced automotive systems, ensuring students gain practical skills.
Classroom instruction that broadens knowledge in automotive electronics.
Potential for credit transfer towards apprenticeship programs, providing a pathway to further qualifications.
Access to industry-standard tools and equipment during training.
Networking opportunities with industry professionals through various college events.

Career Options

Graduates of the Automotive Technician-Diploma program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Automotive Service Technician: Responsible for diagnosing and repairing vehicles, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards.
Automotive Electronics Technician: Specializes in the installation and repair of electronic systems in vehicles, including navigation and entertainment systems.
Service Advisor: Acts as a liaison between customers and the service department, providing estimates and recommendations for vehicle maintenance.
Fleet Maintenance Technician: Works on maintaining and repairing vehicles for businesses, ensuring fleet reliability and efficiency.
Automotive Parts Specialist: Manages inventory and sales of automotive parts, providing expertise to customers and service technicians.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to find a niche that suits their skills and interests in the automotive industry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Red River College Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2026-05-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements

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.
- The Automotive Technician-Work Experience program previously offered by Red River College with an average of 70% or better.
- 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 the 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.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Students

For international students, it is important to note that:

Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded.

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 the time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

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)
Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2
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.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Automotive Technician-Diploma program at Red River College Polytechnic, the following English language assessments are accepted:

CAEL Online or In-Person - Overall band score of 60
IELTS Academic Level - Overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5
Password Skills - Overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5
Password Skills Plus - Overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5
LINC Certificate - 7
Duolingo Language Test - 115 and above with a minimum of 95 in each section
New English for Academic and Professional Purposes - Successful completion of the program 5 (minimum 70%)
PTE - 54 overall, minimum 50 in each skill
TOEFL-ibt Academic Level - 80 (20L, 20S, 19R, 21W)
TOEFL MYBest Score - 4 of 6 (4.5L, 4S, 4R, 4.5W)
Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE) - Successful Completion

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!