Be ready put your career in drive.
Our one-year Automotive Systems certificate provides training and hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. You’ll learn about safety, tools, suspensions, brakes, electrical, transmissions and all of the systems that keep our vehicles moving.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Automotive Systems at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Our Crooks School of Transportation is well equipped with state-of-the-art tools of the automotive industry. The 300 hours of experience you’ll gain on campus count toward your first- and second-year of an Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship. With successful completion, you’ll earn a certificate that shows you have the commitment and knowledge to leap into a job or become an employer’s next apprentice. In a society reliant on cars and trucks, you’ll hit the road with in-demand skills.
16 hoists
in the automotive lab
3 dynamometers
used for measuring the power produced by an engine, motor or other rotating prime mover
300
hours of experience you'll earn each year towards your first- and second-year automotive service technician apprenticeship
Career Opportunities
Wherever your future takes you, you'll be able to drive away from Lethbridge Polytechnic and into positions such as:
- Apprentice automotive service technician
- Automotive systems certificate instructor
- Equipment salesperson
- Journeyperson automotive service technician
- Mobile repair service technician
- Service manager
- Shop foreman
- Shop owner
80%
of our Automotive Systems grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
$77,840
the average annual salary of an Automotive Service Technician working in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
Late August
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program do not require a high school diploma; however, they must satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- English 20-1 or 20-2 or equivalent
- Math 20-1, 20-2 or 20-3 or equivalent
The following courses or subjects are recommended for the best possible outcome in the Automotive Systems program:
- Physics, Chemistry and Science
- Grade 12 Math and English
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will also be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Automotive Systems certificate. Graduates are able to write their first- and second-year Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship exams and will be awarded approximately 300 hours of experience credit.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| AST-1115 | Safety, Tools and Maintenance | 3 |
| AST-1119 | Basic Automotive Electrical I | 3 |
| AST-1123 | Air Conditioning | 1.5 |
| AST-1124 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 6 |
| AST-1131 | Automotive Braking Systems | 3 |
| AST-1146 | Automotive Fieldwork I | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| AST-1132 | Automotive Welding | 1.5 |
| AST-1133 | Drive Axle Systems | 3 |
| AST-1138 | Automotive Electrical Systems II | 3 |
| AST-1141 | Manual Transmission & 4WD Systems | 3 |
| AST-1144 | Engines | 6 |
| AST-1147 | Automotive Fieldwork II | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Special Note: Students who successfully complete the Automotive Systems one-year certificate program are eligible to write their first and second year apprenticeship exams and earn hours towards their first and second period work experience of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Pathway
Students who have successfully completed Lethbridge Polytechnic's Automotive Systems certificate can continue to obtain their journeyperson certification by registering with Apprenticeship Alberta. For more information about Alberta's apprenticeship requirements, click here.
Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. Lethbridge Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,669.00
|
$2,790.00
|
$2,200.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$22,269.00
|
$2,790.00
|
$2,200.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Automotive Systems program is delivered on campus.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships- visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.