Program overview
The Electric Drive Vehicle Technician two-year Ontario College Diploma program at St. Clair College prepares students for specialized technical careers in the maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV):
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Year 1 Certificate Pathway: Covers EV electrical/electronic fundamentals, high-voltage safety, and system architectures. Graduates earn an Electric Vehicle Fundamentals Certificate and can choose to enter the workforce as service maintenance helpers, start an apprenticeship, or continue into Year 2.
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Advanced High-Voltage & Control Systems (Year 2): Focuses on EV powertrains, energy storage systems (battery management), electric machines, power electronics, thermal management, low/high-voltage charging infrastructure, and computer network communications (CAN bus/vehicle architecture).
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Hands-On Experiential Learning & Work Placement: Includes extensive project-based learning and an integrated work placement component in Semester 3 with local automotive employers and industry partners.
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High-Growth Sector: Aligns with Southwestern Ontario’s emerging EV manufacturing ecosystem (e.g., battery plant developments and OEM retooling), opening doors to specialized diagnostic, maintenance, and conversion roles.