4 years (minimum 1,500 hours yearly on-the-job training +
8 weeks at RDC each year)

Red Deer College offers the Automotive Service Technician program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students. Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of an Automotive Service Technician in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. For more information, please visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

The term of apprenticeship for an Automotive Service Technician is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year. An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Automotive Service Technician trade or who holds a related Journeyman Certificate and has the employer's recommendation may qualify for recognition that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.

To work as an Automotive Service Technician in Alberta, a person must be a Registered Apprentice or a Certified Journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate. Automotive Service Technicians are employed by automotive repair shops, specialty repair shops, service facilities, car and truck dealerships, and by large organizations that own fleets of vehicles. Experienced individuals may advance to Service Manager or Shop Foreman. Some Automotive Service Technicians open their own repair facilities.

If you have a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, you are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.

For fee information, visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.