Motive Power Technician (Automotive)
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Program Overview
Motive Power Technician is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program where students learn about spark-ignition engines, power trains and related modern vehicle systems. Courses will be held in cutting-edge shops that have state-of-the-art tools and diagnosing equipment. Graduates from this program will have the necessary skill set to work within a variety of industries.
Program Details
Program Code
MTA7
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
2025 May
London
Waitlisted
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
The modern vehicle is a technical marvel on wheels. With computers and sophisticated power trains and engines, today’s vehicles need tech-savvy professionals with specialized skills to help keep them on the road.
If a career that lets you get your hands dirty while keeping up-to-date on the many technical advances in vehicle manufacturing is important to you, the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program will deliver the skills necessary for an in-demand career.
As a Motive Power Technician, you will learn all there is to know about internal combustion spark ignition engines, power trains and related modern vehicle systems in cutting-edge shops and with state-of-the-art tools and diagnosing equipment. You’ll also learn to communicate effectively, diagnose and solve problems logically and undertake responsible work tasks with minimum supervision in the pursuit of your mechanic certification.
The Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program is designed to develop graduates with essential advanced technical, organizational, interpersonal, administrative and managerial skills required for the automotive service industry. You’ll gain progressive and comprehensive learning experiences on internal combustion spark-ignition engines, power trains and related modern vehicle systems. Students will also learn to communicate effectively, diagnose and solve problems logically and undertake responsible work tasks with a minimum of supervision.
Graduates may also be in a favourable status if they wish to apply for our alternative Motive Power Technician (Diesel) diploma program. Credit for those courses that bridge our diploma programs will be granted; therefore, significantly reducing the requirements for this second Ontario College Diploma. A co-op version of this program is also available.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Motive Power Technician (Automotive) may find employment opportunities with motive power equipment manufacturers and dealers, oil companies, industrial, commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers and dealers in servicing, parts, warranty claims, merchandising sales and insurance estimating. Graduates are also well positioned to enter the workplace in the automotive service technician trade and – depending upon Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) policies – may also gain credit for completion of in-school training for that particular trade.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program:
Service Advisor
Advise customers on recommended and required maintenance and repairs.
Automotive Lube Technician
Perform routine vehicle maintenance, lubricating engine parts and wheel bearings as well as replacing filters.
Automotive Technician Apprentice
Perform general automotive repairs and ensure customer satisfaction.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
1. analyse, diagnose*, and solve various motive power system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applyingfundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.
2. diagnose* and repair climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
3. diagnose* and repair engine systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
4. diagnose* and repair electrical, electronic, personal safety, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
5. diagnose* and repair drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
6. diagnose* and repair suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
7. disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
8. select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.
9. apply knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and analysis of motive power systems and subsystems.
10. communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards.
11. use information technology and computer skills to support work in a motive power environment.
12. prepare, support, maintain, and communicate data from log, record, and documentation systems.
13. apply business practices, project management skills, and communication skills to improve customer service.
14. assist in quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures.
15. develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships.
16. complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Robin Taggart
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate. Alternatively, applicants may choose to do the one-year Pre-Technology preparatory program that provides all the admission requirements for this program.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Any Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Transportation Technology (C)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Technological Design (M)
- Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Business Studies (C), (M), or (O)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Physics OR Chemistry (C) or (U)
- Basic Computer Skills
- Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE): Technical or Apprenticeship Mathematics course and Computer Skills course
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Training or experience in any of the following areas may be helpful preparation for this program: technological studies in automotive, welding or drafting courses; physics or environmental science courses; part-time employment in the motive power industry
- Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP)
- Specialized High Skills Major participant
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing
- Credit for a specific program course may be given to students who can demonstrate that they have the required education and experience to meet the objectives and evaluation criteria of the detailed course requirements.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
- Admission to the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program. The Pre-Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program.
Courses
| Year 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| MOTP-1050 | Engine Fundamentals Theory | 2 | ||
| This course will provide a study of the design features, materials, and operating principles of the internal combustion engine. This study will also be applied to rework, modification, and component failure analysis. | ||||
| MOTP-1051 | Engine Fundamentals Lab | 1 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the static and dynamic test procedures of the internal combustion engine. The student also learns to solve applied problems, perform laboratory experiments, write lab reports and analyze performance tests according to manufacturers' recommendations. | ||||
| MOTP-1052 | Electrical Fundamentals Theory | 4 | ||
| This course pertains to a study of the design features and operating principles of electrical systemssuch as cranking, charging, lighting, accessories systems, and electronic systems such as ignitionsystems. | ||||
| MOTP-1053 | Electrical Fundamentals Lab | 1.5 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the static and dynamic test procedures of electrical systems, such as cranking, charging, lighting, accessories systems, and electronic systems such as ignition systems. The student also learns to solve applied problems, perform laboratory experiments, write lab reports and analyze performance tests according to manufactures recommendations. | ||||
| MOTP-1054 | Power Train Fundamentals Theory | 2 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the design features and operating principles of power transmissions and drive line systems. The student will also learn to evaluate and describe problems logically. | ||||
| MOTP-1055 | Power Train Fundamentals Lab | 1 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the static and dynamic test procedures of power transmission and driveline systems. The student will also learn to evaluate system problems logically, describe and perform service repair procedures. | ||||
| MOTP-1056 | Fuel & Emission Fundamentals Theory | 3 | ||
| This course will provide a study of the design features and operating principles of selected fuel, intake, and exhaust systems as they apply to internal combustion engines and will include fuel production and system related theories. | ||||
| MOTP-1057 | Fuel & Emission Fundamentals Lab | 1.5 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the static and dynamic test procedures of selected fuel, intake, and exhaust systems as they apply to internal combustion engines. The student also learns to solve applied problems, perform laboratory experiments, write lab reports, and analyze performance tests according to manufactures' recommendations. | ||||
| MOTP-1058 | Vehicle Control Fundamentals Theory | 3 | ||
| This course will provide an in depth study of the design features and operating principles of vehicle suspension, steering and braking systems. The student will also learn to evaluate and describe system problems logically. | ||||
| MOTP-1059 | Vehicle Control Fundamentals Lab | 1.5 | ||
| This course will provide an in depth study of vehicle suspension, steering and braking systems. Students will learn to evaluate system problems logically, prescribe and effect corrective action, perform quality control comparative systems and service equipment efficiency tests, solve applied problems, perform laboratory experiments, write lab reports and analyze performance tests according to manufacturers' recommendations | ||||
| MOTP-1060 | Technical Practices Theory | 3 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study related to fasteners, bearings, seals, sealants, oxy-acetylene heating and cutting, electric arc and MIG welding. As related to the transportation industry students will study the fundamentals, purpose, styles, principle of operation, maintenance/testing, diagnosing, and specifications of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), as well as fluid power hydraulic systems. Cabs and controls systems including truck, trailer and articulating coach combinations are also part of this course study. | ||||
| MOTP-1061 | Technical Practices Lab | 1 | ||
| This course will provide an in-depth study of the applied procedures related to fasteners, bearings, seals, sealants, oxy-acetylene heating and cutting, electric arc and MIG welding, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Applied procedures related to fluid power systems, cabs and controls systems and truck, trailer, and articulating coach combinations are also part of this course study. The student also learns to solve applied problems, perform laboratory experiments, write lab reports and analyze performance tests according to manufactures recommendations. | ||||
| MATH-1162 | Applied Mathematics | 3 | ||
| This course will provide students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills required to understand, interpret and find solutions for analytical problems in the motive power industry. | ||||
| WRIT-1039 | Reason & Writing 1-Technology | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce technology students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| MKTG-1047 | Marketing Principles | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of Marketing and Promotion. The course follows the Marketing and Promotion process from inception to delivery. The student will gain knowledge of Marketing definitions, market research, segmentation, targeting, data mining, demographics, and promotion design and delivery. They will also be exposed to current and future channels of marketing delivery, and ethical decision making. At the end of this course, students will use the knowledge gained to execute and present a limited marketing campaign for a small business. | ||||
| ACAD-1007 | Skills for Success | 2 | ||
| This course provides students with the opportunity to gain insight into their personal/learning styles and to develop academic mastery. Students will practice the skills needed to be successful college students and begin to formulate meaningful career plans. Students will establish a knowledge base of campus resources that support their success and will develop and/or enhance the academic skills critical for success. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.