Motive Power Technician (Diesel)
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Program Overview
Motive Power Technician is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program where students learn advanced technical, organizational, interpersonal, administrative and managerial skills required for the heavy duty industry. Courses focus on internal combustion compression ignition engines, power trains, and related modern heavy-duty systems. Graduates of this program will be able to communicate effectively, diagnose and solve problems logically and undertake responsible work tasks independently.
Program Details
Program Code
MTD7
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 May
London
Open
2027 September
London
Open
2028 January
London
Open
2028 May
London
Open
2026 September
London
Closed
2027 January
London
Waitlisted
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 January
London
Open
2027 May
London
Open
2027 September
London
Open
2028 January
London
Open
2028 May
London
Open
2026 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
The complex and powerful machines that fuel our economy and drive our industries need constant maintenance to keep them running smoothly and safely. Dynamic and specialized technicians are always in-demand and the Motive Power Technician (Diesel) program will give you the expertise necessary for a rewarding and satisfying career in the heavy duty service industry.
In our diesel mechanic course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about internal combustion compression ignition engines, power trains and related modern heavy duty systems. You’ll also learn to communicate effectively, diagnose and solve problems logically and undertake responsible work tasks with minimum supervision throughout your diesel mechanic training.
When you graduate, you’ll have the skills necessary to find work with motive power equipment manufacturers, oil companies or industrial, and even work for motive power equipment dealers, You’ll also be well-prepared to enter the workplace in the Truck and Coach apprenticeship, and depending upon Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) policies, may also gain credit for completion of in-school training for this particular apprenticeship.
The Motive Power Technician (Diesel) program is designed to develop graduates with essential advanced technical, organizational, interpersonal, administrative and managerial skills required for the heavy-duty service industry. You’ll gain progressive and comprehensive learning experiences on internal combustion compression ignition engines, power trains and related modern heavy-duty 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 (Automotive) 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 (Diesel) program 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 truck and coach service technician trade and – depending upon the 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 (Diesel) program:
Mechanical Claims Processor
Evaluate mechanical breakdown claims for many different types of vehicles.
Service Advisor
Advise customers on available parts and service options when their vehicle need repairs.
Diesel Technician Apprenticeship
Perform diesel machinery diagnostics, repairs, maintenance and pre-delivery work.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyse, diagnose, and solve various motive power system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships;
- Diagnose and repair climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations;
- Diagnose and repair engine systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations;
- Diagnose and repair electrical, electronic, personal safety, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations;
- Diagnose and repair drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations;
- Diagnose and repair suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations;
- Disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices;
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems;
- Apply knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and analysis of motive power systems and subsystems;
- Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards;
- Use information technology and computer skills to support work in a motive power environment;
- Prepare, support, maintain, and communicate data from log, record, and documentation systems;
- Apply business practices, project management skills, and communication skills to improve customer service;
- Assist in quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures;
- Develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships;
- 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.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Robin Taggart
Pathways
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 Trade Fundamentals 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 (2026) | Overall score of 4.5 with no score less than 4 in any band |
| TOEFL i8BT (Prior to 2026) | 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 | Minimum score of 53 with no score less than 45 in any of the four bands |
| 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 |
| LanguageCert Academic | Overall score of 65 with no score less than 60 in any of the four skills |
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 (Diesel) 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 (Diesel) program. The Pre-Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Motive Power Technician (Diesel) program.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| 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. | ||||
| MOTP-1050 | Engine Fundamentals Theory | 2 | ||
| This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the internal combustion engine, components, nomenclature, purpose, operation and construction. Students will explore the theory of four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines, engine measurements, and the role of major subsystems such as lubrication and cooling along with the movement and force of components throughout engine cycles and learn basic diagnostic theory related to wear and failure. | ||||
| MOTP-1051 | Engine Fundamentals Lab | 1 | ||
| This hands-on lab course provides students with practical experience in the disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of a short block internal combustion engine. Emphasis is placed on precision measurement, component evaluation, proper use of hand tools and torque specifications, and maintaining a safe work area and habits. Students will utilize industry-standard online service information systems (e.g., Mitchell1, ALLDATA, or OEM portals) to research specifications, tolerances, and service procedures throughout the disassembly and reassembly process. Students will be required demonstrate the ability to follow professional repair procedures, measure components against specifications, and accurately assemble short block engine components to meet manufacturer standards throughout the program. | ||||
| MOTP-1072 | Electrical Fundamentals Theory | 3 | ||
| This course pertains to a study of the design features and operating principles of electrical systems such as cranking, charging, lighting, accessories systems, and electronic systems such as ignition systems. | ||||
| 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-1060 | Technical Practices Theory | 3 | ||
| This course offers an in-depth study of essential mechanical components used within the transportation industry. Topics include fasteners, bearings, seals, and sealants, along with applications of oxy-acetylene heating and cutting, electric arc welding, and MIG welding techniques. Students will explore the basic function and location of major components within HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, as well as the fundamentals of fluid power and hydraulic systems. Additionally, the course examines cab and control systems, including those found in truck, trailer, and articulating coach combinations. | ||||
| MOTP-1061 | Technical Practices Lab | 1 | ||
| This course provides an in-depth study of applied procedures related to fasteners, bearings, seals, sealants, oxy-acetylene heating and cutting, as well as electric arc and MIG welding. Students will gain foundational knowledge in identifying major components of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The course also covers applied procedures for fluid power systems, cab and control systems, and configurations involving trucks, trailers, and articulating coach combinations. Through hands-on laboratory work, students will learn to solve applied problems, conduct experiments, analyze performance tests, and prepare technical lab reports in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and industry standards. | ||||
| 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. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.