COURSE CURRICULUM

The Motive Power Technician – Automotive Service program at Northern College delivers a comprehensive four-semester curriculum that blends classroom theory with hands-on training to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. In Semester 1, students build foundational knowledge in DC electrical systems, communication skills, health and safety, computer applications, trade practices, and welding. Key technical courses include Mathematics & Precision Measurement, Drive Train Systems I, and Trade Practices and Applications, providing essential skills in shop safety, tool use, and vehicle system diagnostics. Semester 2 expands on this foundation with courses in applied communication, Indigenous culture, and advanced mathematics. Students delve deeper into engine mechanics, air intake, exhaust, fuel systems, electrical systems, and vehicle steering, suspension, and braking systems, including an introduction to hybrid technology. Semester 3 features advanced engine studies, steering and brake diagnostics, and HVAC system repair, alongside Motive Power Electrical III, Fuels II, and a general education elective, ensuring students are well-rounded and workplace-ready. In Semester 4, students explore entrepreneurship, undertake a 150-hour industry placement, and complete courses in Drive Train Systems II, Motive Power Electrical IV, and advanced vehicle communication and hybrid systems. This well-structured program offers students a direct path to employment and apprenticeship, while equipping them with Red Seal-aligned skills highly valued in the automotive trades.