Frequently Asked Questions for Motive Power Technician
Do applicants need to have their high school diploma or equivalency?
Yes. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch does not accept Mature Student Status as an entrance requirement for this program. Therefore, students must have secured one of the following:
– an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
– an Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)
– a General Education Development Certificate (GED)
Do applicants need to be Ontario residents?
No. However, students must complete their co-op term with an Ontario employer.
When are students registered as apprentices?
Students are registered as apprentices during their first semester of the program.
How do students complete the program in 16 months?
Students who start the program in September will be done by Christmas the following year. The 16-month program is split into 3 semesters and one co-op placement of four months each. The semesters break down as follows:
– First semester is September to December
– Second semester is January to April
– Co-op term is May to August
– Final semester is September to December
Do applicants need to have a driver’s licence?
Yes. It is a requirement of employers that students have a valid driver’s licence by the time they start their co-op term.
Does the College provide personal protective equipment to students?
No. Students are required to supply their own protective equipment as required, including safety footwear (work boots) and safety glasses for use in the College’s automotive shops as well as for the co-op term.
Do employers provide tools for students to use when they are on their co-op term?
Not all employers provide tools to their Automotive Service Technicians. Most garages purchase major tools (tire changers, scanners, compressors, etc.); however, most mechanics are required to purchase their own everyday tools such as wrenches, sockets, air ratchets, etc.
Are there any government financial assistance programs for Automotive Service Technician apprentices?
Yes. The Government of Canada offers the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant which is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for a maximum $2,000 per person. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.
More information is available online on the Service Canada site:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/incentivegrant/program.shtml
- Is the co-op placement mandatory?
Yes. The co-op term in the Motive Power Technician program is mandatory.
When does the co-op take place?
The co-op term occurs during the summer semester after students have completed the first two semesters of the program and have maintained an acceptable academic record. Co-op placements are usually for a minimum of 15 weeks.
Does my co-op placement have to be in Renfrew County?
Placements can be secured outside of Renfrew County; however, they must be completed with an Ontario employer.
How do I apply to co-op?
Students need to apply for a co-op experience, similar to the process of applying for a job. The College does offer assistance to students (résumé building, interview techniques, job postings, etc.) to help them secure a placement, however, the College does not assign students to placements. Co-op is a partnership between the student, the College, and the employer and all parties must do their part to make it a successful program.
Does the co-op placement have any requirements?
There is a fee of $40 that students must pay to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities on their co-op work term. However, students in the Motive Power Technician program are exempt from paying the College’s co-op fee. A valid driver’s licence is required by employers for the co-op term. After completing their co-op term, students submit a written report to the College that documents their experience.
How do I register as an apprentice with my co-op employer?
Once a placement is secured, students are registered as apprentices with that employer and the hours they work count towards their total apprenticeship hours needed.