Overview

Turn your love of motorcycles and mechanics into a career.

Our 12-week Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic program will provide foundational training in the assembly, maintenance, repair and restoration of motorcycles and multi-wheeled lightweight all-terrain vehicles.

A combination of theory and hands-on learning in a shop environment, your classes will explore:

  • lubrication and cooling systems
  • electrical and ignition systems
  • carburetion
  • fuel systems
  • adjustments of moving parts
  • safety protocols.

Designed with input from industry, this program is for those interested in becoming an apprentice but do not yet have any knowledge or training in the field. 

You'll graduate with the technical knowledge and skills to become a motorcycle mechanic apprentice and repair, service and maintain motorcycles and other similarly powered vehicles.

Motorcycle mechanics tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.

You need:

  • an aptitude for mechanics
  • strength and stamina
  • good people skills
  • a willingness to work long hours during busy seasons
  • the ability to safely lift heavy objects
  • attention to detail
  • hand-eye coordination
  • to be reliable
  • to take pride in your work.

You should enjoy doing work with precision and problem-solving. 

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Motorcycle Mechanic curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT's Motorcycle Mechanic apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

After successfully completing this program, you'll receive a Pre-employment Motorcycle Mechanic Certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72020, 72410, 72411, 72423, 74203.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Courses

The Pre-Employment Motorcycle certificate requires 13.5 credits (seven courses) to complete.

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Course Credits

In this course, you will learn the correct handling of crated motorcycles, including inspection of incoming shipments and procedures to report missing or damaged parts. You will learn about receiving shipments, and perform pre-delivery inspections and related tasks, including minor repairs to paint and windshields. Finally, you will learn how to correctly prepare motorcycles for extended periods of storage.

1.5

In this course, you will learn to repair and maintain brake systems. You will learn to identify the components and operations of brake systems, describe brake fluid characteristics, and describe hydraulic and mechanical pressures in a multi-piston caliper system. You will also perform inspection, service and repair of drum and disc brake systems, as well as rebuilding master cylinders, wheel cylinders and callipers. Examples of these systems on All Terrain and Utility Vehicles will also be covered.

1.5

In this course, you will learn basic electrical theory and circuits so that you can perform meter tests to diagnose and repair electrical problems. The electrical principles you learn in class will be reinforced in hands-on activities, such as battery maintenance and testing, safe handling of batteries including Electric Motorcycle batteries. You will also learn to use wiring diagrams to identify electrical problems, and repair electrical wires and connectors.

3

In this course, you will learn the operating and design principles of four-stroke and two-stroke engines. You will learn to service motorcycle fuel systems, air filters and air boxes, and perform compression and sealing tests. You will also perform basic engine tune-ups and perform scheduled maintenance procedures.

3

In this course, you will learn to use common hand tools, as well as a range of specialized equipment for cleaning, measuring, testing and service work, including wheel, suspension and frame equipment, and engine service and overhaul equipment. You will also learn to safely use an oxyfuel torch to perform metal heating and cutting operations, and receive an introduction to Mig, Tig and Stick Welding.

1.5

In this course, you will perform complete wheel and tire service and repair. You will identify the types of wheels used for modern motorcycles and describe tire applications, sizes, designs and compatibility. You will also perform visual inspections and demonstrate wheel bearing replacement, wire spoke tension adjustment and replace spoke trim. In addition, you will perform tire removal, mounting and balancing, and remove and replace wheel assemblies. Examples of these systems on All Terrain and Utility Vehicles will also be covered.

1.5

In this course, you will learn about important safety legislation, regulations and industry policies in the workplace, including climbing, lifting, rigging, hoisting, hazardous materials and fire protection. As well, you will learn and use shop information systems to interpret work orders and create parts requisitions. Finally, you will identify and use common motorcycle shop equipment, perform thread repair procedures, and perform thread cleaning, repairing, cutting and broken fastener removal procedures.

1.5

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Admission requirements

Domestic requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • at least 50% English Arts 20-1 or English Arts 20-2, and
  • at least 50% Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or 60% in Math 20-3, and
  • at least 50% in one Grade 11 Science.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Extended

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

Domestic tuition for the pre-employment motorcycle mechanic certificate.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $7,199.96 $318 $7,517.96
Total cost:
$7,517.96

Books and supplies are approximately $625.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available approximately two weeks before classes begin. Your learning resources will cost approximately $115.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

You'll require:

  • Steel-toed boots
  • Coveralls
  • Safety glasses.

These will cost between $250 and $500 total. You'll be able to use this PPE once you graduate and begin work.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart

  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Transportation Advising

Phone
403.284.8471
Email
transportation.info@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.