Fundamentals of Mechanics

Applicants may be admitted into the Fundamentals of Automotive Service program based one of the following pathways: academic pathway or experiential/mature student pathway.

Academic Pathway

Applicants may be considered for admission who:

• Are 18 years of age or older;
• Have successfully completed English 20-2; and
• Have successfully completed Math 10C or have 65 percent or higher in Math 10-3; and
• Have successfully completed Science 10.

Applicants who have completed the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP) Trades Pathway and have:

• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College English 140; and
• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College Math 140; and
• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College Science 140.

Equivalencies and other post-secondary education may be considered.

Mature Student/Experiential Pathway

Applicants who are 20 years or older, have been out of school for at least one year, and have relevant work/life experience in the Automotive Service field may be considered for admission. Eligibility for the program may be determined through an interview, an assessment of English and math, a review of the applicant’s resume, or other means.

Regardless of the pathway for admission, all applicants must:

• Submit official transcripts from high school and/or post-secondary education, as applicable.

Depending on the applicant’s pathway, they may be requested to:

• Submit a resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.
• Participate in an interview.
• Complete an assessment of English and math.

Applicants must complete and Aurora College application form and provide high school and/or other official post-secondary transcripts.

Applicants who are currently enrolled in one or more of the required academic courses for admission are encouraged to apply early and provide transcripts that demonstrate that they are currently registered in these courses. Applicants may receive a conditional acceptance that is dependent on their successful completion of the required courses. Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be required to provide a final transcript upon completion of the required courses to be fully accepted.

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on how well they meet the program eligibility requirements, on the date of application, eligibility requirements/pathways and on space availability. Program applicants must be physically capable of performing the work involved in the automotive service technician trade. In the selection of students, preference will be given to students with an aptitude and a desire to be employed in the automotive service technician trade.

Priority may be given to applicants who have resided in the Northwest Territories for at least one year prior to the date of the program. Additionally, applicants who are currently enrolled in the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP), Trades Pathway are encouraged to apply early and prior to completion of their program. To be given priority in the selection process, applicants must have submitted a complete* application. Applications will be processed based on the date that their application is complete*.

* A complete application is one in which all required documentation (e.g. application, transcripts, letter of reference) and all requested documentation (e.g. additional documentation that supports your eligibility that is requested for your application).

The program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing entry-level employment and/or apprenticeship in the Automotive Service Technician field. This program will equip students with job readiness skills, theoretical knowledge, technical skill and safety training that potential employers seek giving them an advantage over others without any exposure or experience interested in the trade.

Students are exposed to the program concepts through a combination of in-class instruction, individual/group study. They are then given opportunities for skill development through a series of related practical applications.

Students who successfully pass this program will be eligible to write the Apprenticeship Automotive Service Technician Level 1 Exam. After becoming a registered NT apprentice and with their employer’s recommendation, students who pass the Level 1 Theory Exam will receive 480 hours work experience towards their apprenticeship in the Automotive Service Technician Trade.

Please Note: There will be no option for a supplement exam until participants become a registered NT apprentice.

The objectives of this level are to expose participants to the hands on tasks required of a Level 1 Apprentice in a responsible, competent, and safe manner and with the understanding of the theoretical knowledge associated with these tasks. These tasks include:

1. Diagnosing, service-testing and performing preventative maintenance on hydraulic, air and electronic braking systems; suspension and steering; electrical circuits, lighting and electronic control systems; and light utility trailer service.
2. Using and maintaining hand and power tools in order to carry out repairs.
3. Reading and understanding work orders, preparing estimates, and interpreting technical manuals.
4. Writing service reports, diagnosing the cause and cost of failures, and keeping service analysis records.
5. Performing assigned tasks in accordance with safety, quality and production standards required by government and industry.

Theoretical and practical assignments and written examinations are used to evaluate participant success.

School course marks are weighted based on a formula provided by Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of the Northwest Territories.

In order for a participant to qualify to challenge the apprenticeship level exam, they must achieve a school mark of 65 percent or greater in all courses, obtain a shop mark of 65 percent or greater and complete all school work assignments.

A participant who fails Aurora College technical training must repeat the training regardless of the result obtained on the level examinations administered by the GNWT.

Students who are absent from instruction in the Fundamentals of Mechanics Program in which he/she is enrolled for more than for more than 10 percent of the total time of the course may be terminated from that course by the supervisor or may have their funding discontinued.

“An apprentice who is absent from a trade instruction course in which he or she is enrolled for more than five percent of the total time of the course may be terminated from that course by the supervisor and be subsequently scheduled to repeat the entire course.”

Article 20(1), NWT Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification Regulations

Participants must achieve a mark of 70 percent in the GNWT-administered level examination, obtain the required hours in the field and have the recommendation of their employer in order to progress to the next level of technical training.

Record of Achievement