Automotive Service Technology at SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Program Overview

If you're passionate about cars and want to build a rewarding career in the automotive industry, the Automotive Service Technology program is the perfect fit for you. This two-year diploma program prepares graduates for various roles in the automotive field, including positions such as shop foreman or service manager. With guidance from industry-experienced instructors, students will learn essential skills in automotive vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repairs. The program emphasizes real-world experience, allowing students to work on actual cars while developing customer service and communication skills. Graduates are also eligible to challenge the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Automotive Service Technician exams, paving the way for a successful career in the automotive sector.

Program Structure

The Automotive Service Technology program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a period of two years. The program includes:

In-person classes at the Main Campus
Hands-on experience working on actual vehicles
A capstone project in the second year, where students work in teams to conduct research and present findings
Eligibility to challenge the AIT Automotive Service Technician exams upon graduation

This program is designed to align with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) curriculum, ensuring that students receive relevant and up-to-date training. Graduates will also receive a 156-hour on-the-job training credit towards their apprenticeship, enhancing their employability in the automotive industry.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training with actual vehicles to develop practical skills.
Capstone project in the second year, fostering teamwork and research skills.
Opportunity to challenge the AIT Automotive Service Technician exams.
Real-world experience through customer service and communication training.
Access to industry-experienced instructors who provide valuable insights and mentorship.

Career Options

Graduates of the Automotive Service Technology program can pursue a variety of career paths in the automotive industry, including:

Automotive Service Technician: Responsible for diagnosing and repairing vehicles, ensuring they are safe and operational.
Shop Foreman: Oversees the daily operations of an automotive shop, managing staff and ensuring quality service.
Service Manager: Manages customer service and operations within an automotive service department, focusing on customer satisfaction.
Apprentice Technician: Works under the supervision of a journeyperson to gain hands-on experience and complete apprenticeship requirements.
Specialty Technician: Focuses on specific areas such as electrical systems, engines, or transmissions, providing expert services in those fields.

With a high demand for skilled automotive service technicians, graduates can expect strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement in their careers.

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

Visit SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology official website

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Automotive Service Technology program, applicants who were educated outside of Canada are required to undergo an international document assessment. This is essential to ensure that your educational qualifications are recognized and evaluated appropriately.

International students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, must submit specific documentation as part of their application process. Here are the key requirements:

Applicants must provide their secondary education graduation diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học) along with an academic transcript (Học Bạ) and national exam results (Diem Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp THPT).
For post-secondary education, a graduation certificate for either a diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Cao Đẳng), bachelor degree (Bằng Cử Nhân), or master's degree (Bằng Thạc sĩ) is required, along with the corresponding academic transcript.

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. This evaluation helps in determining the equivalency of your educational credentials in Canada.

Additionally, if you have completed courses at certain international post-secondary institutions, SAIT may accept those as part of your application. For any clarification and support regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the Automotive Service Technology Diploma program at SAIT, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following accepted methods:

Submit official transcripts or a completed international document assessment verifying completion of one of the following:
- At least three years of full-time study taught in English at an English-speaking secondary school.
- At least two years of post-secondary education taught in English at a recognized institution.
- Successfully complete a recognized credential from a SAIT-approved post-secondary institution program taught in English.
Successfully complete a post-secondary credit course in English, comparative literature, or communications at SAIT or a recognized institution (minimum C grade required).
Achieve the applicable score on an English assessment test (test score must be within one year prior to application submission).
Successfully complete the English Language Foundations (ELF) program:
- COMN 155 and SPCH 155 meet proficiency for programs requiring English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.
- COMN 154 and SPCH 154 meet proficiency for programs requiring English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
Successfully complete one of the recognized alternatives to the English Language Foundations program.

Accepted English assessment tests and their required scores include:

IELTS: 6.0 in each skill/category for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 5.5 for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
CAEL: 60 overall band (effective Winter 2023: 60 in each skill/category) for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 50 for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
TOEFL: Minimum score of 20 in each category for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 18 for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53 for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.
Duolingo: 115 minimum with at least 95 in each individual subscores for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.

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!