The Automotive Service Technician Co-op partnered with Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Co-Op Diploma (8226) program provides training for entry-level technician positions in the field of automotive service and repair. While the primary focus of the program is Automotive Diagnosis and Repair, other aspects of automotive dealership operations are included. The content and delivery methods used in the program allow graduates to obtain vast amounts of knowledge required for them to meet the demands when they enter fast-paced environments of modern dealership Service Departments. Graduates of the program will be eligible for positions as Apprentice Automotive Service Technicians. While having obtained technical training and product knowledge, graduates would have developed critical thinking skills and diagnostic routines, which will increase their confidence in the field while at the same time making them valuable assets to potential employers.

As a student in this program, you will spend your first eight months in class learning your craft at our impressive training facilities at Ashtonbee Campus. Over the next eight months, you will apply what you have learned through a paid work placement as a registered apprentice at a TADA or FCA partnered dealership. You will spend your final eight months back at school preparing for a successful career in the automotive industry.

The in-school curriculum focuses on product description, operation, diagnostics and repair as it applies to the apprenticeship curriculum. You will also learn the management, customer service, English and general education skills you will need for a broad range of employment opportunities in the automotive field. Along with the classroom sessions, you will train and practice what you have learned on a wide range of automobiles and components in fully equipped automotive labs. Additional technical lessons include access to factory training from the college's various partners (as applicable), Advanced Diagnostics, Hybrid and Alternate Fuel Training are also part of the program.

As a graduate, you will have earned a Motive Power Technician Diploma, an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certificate and will have completed levels 1 and 2 of the Ontario AST 310S apprenticeship in-school curriculum within two years. You will then be ready to return to school for your level 3 on a traditional apprenticeship.

Program Highlights

This unique college transportation program provides you with the highest level of apprenticeship technical training Centennial College offers, with the added value of a college diploma. The TADA or FCA Service Technician co-op program also balances theoretical and practical elements. You will spend eight months in class, eight months as an apprentice at a paid work placement in an TADA or FCA dealership and spend a final eight months back at school to prepare for a career in the automotive industry.

Career Outlook

• Automotive service technician
• Service writer
• Service advisor
• Service and parts manager
• trainer
• professor
• automotive manufacturer specialist

Education Pathways

Successful graduates of this Automotive Service Technician (Co-op partnered with TADA and FCA) Diploma program have the opportunity to apply their credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.