Programs
Motive Action's training programs combine on-site shop and classroom training and off-site work experience with industry employers.
Jump to Section
We focus on careers in the trades.
At Motive Action, we provide training to enter the trades because of the opportunities that the trades can offer to our graduates. Here are a few reasons why the trades are a great career option:
Education for the trades costs less, and takes less time to complete.
Trades jobs pay well, pay sooner, and there is lots of opportunity to advance in your career… all the way to running your own shop!
Tradespeople are proud of what they do and are valued members of society. Everyone needs “a good mechanic”.
There are lots of trades jobs available, now and in the future. Employment is steady with minimal lay-offs once you’re experienced.
The work is satisfying, tangible, challenging and promotes work-life balance.
Your future after Motive Action
Motive Action’s free trades training program teaches you everything you need to know to get started in the auto body, heavy duty, auto mechanics, or welding trades. You’ll have the opportunity within the program to specialize in a specific area so that you can get a job as one of the following:
Automotive Service Technician
Automotive Service Technicians perform preventive maintenance, diagnose faulty operating systems, and repair automotive vehicles and light trucks. They adjust, test, and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, air-conditioning systems, electrical systems and electronic control circuits, and perform wheel alignments. In larger shops, they may specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts. In smaller shops, Automotive Service Technicians may work on a wider variety of repair jobs.
Auto Body Technician
Auto Body Technicians repair and/or replace damaged motor vehicle structures and body components, and apply interior and exterior finishes. They may specialize in damage appraisal, frame straightening, sheet metal and plastics repair work, preparation or refinishing. Journeyman certification is available as a Prepper, Repairer, or Refinisher. By combining these areas, certification is available as an Auto Body Technician.
Heavy Equipment Technician
Heavy Equipment Technicians repair, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy equipment such as highway transport vehicles, construction and earth-moving equipment, tractors and mobile industrial equipment.They may also specialize in engine overhaul, transmission and drive axle overhaul, hydraulic controls, electrical/electronics, air conditioning, and fuel injection.The working environment for Heavy Equipment Technicians varies considerably from one job to another: some work in modern shops, others work in construction or oil field situations.
Welder
Welders apply heat to metal pieces to melt and fuse them together. In electric arc welding, heat is created as an electric current flows through an arc between the tip of the welding electrode and the metal. In gas welding, such as oxy-acetylene welding, the flame from the combustion of burning gases melts metal.Welders use different welding processes and fillers depending on the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength. For typical welding projects, welders develop patterns or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders. Welders also clean, check for defects and shape component parts and weld parts together.
Take the next step.
Program elements
As a Motive Action student, you will receive 12 weeks of on-site training and 12 weeks of work experience with an employer. Successfully completing the program will provide you with the relevant knowledge, key skills and practical experience to succeed in the trades.
Hands-on shop practice
Learn in a safe environment with qualified instructors.
Classroom instruction
Learn basic math and other skills required for working in the trades.
Develop your employability skills
Find out how to get hired, and succeed in the workforce.
Real life job opportunities
Upon successfully completing the program, get hands-on work experience with one of our 200 employer partners.
Success Stories See All
It gave me a hands-on learning experience in a field I was interested in, as well as an opportunity for work. I’ve gained the skills to continue to be employed, working a job I enjoy. I also have the opportunity to go to school at SAIT to improve even further.
Tyler
MOTIVE ACTION GRADUATE
Motive Action helped me learn and helped me get a full-time job at a great dealership close to home. I’m finally happy doing what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m looking forward to my future making my way to a journeywoman [position].
Cori
MOTIVE ACTION GRADUATE
It opened new doors for me. It gave me a professional career and I met a lot of people there from different backgrounds and I made some friends. The instructors there took us in like family and that was the key for me to succeed.
Yahya
MOTIVE ACTION GRADUATE
Employer Partners
Since 1985, approximately 90% of Motive Action graduates gain full-time employment on completion of training. This success could not be possible without the support of the employers that provide the work experience opportunities and the jobs upon graduation. Once you have been signed up for an apprenticeship, you’ll be presented with a $500 scholarship to help you with your future studies and/or tools!
A&C STARTEC
A-1 AUTO REPAIR
ADVANTAGE FORD
AIRDRIE CHRYSLER
ALL MAKES AUTO REPAIR
APOLLO MUFFLER BANNISTER RD
AR AUTOMOTIVE AVIS AUTO BODY
BBK TRAILER REPAIR
C.M.P. BODY SHOP
CALGARY CAR KINGS
CANADIAN TIRE OKOTOKS
CARSTAR COLLISION AIRDRIE
CRAMER AUTO REPAIR
CROWFOOT DODGE
CUSTOM STAINLESS & SHEET METAL
CUSTUM PARK & LEISURE
FRANKLIN AUTO
GALAXY AUTO
GARLAND’S AUTO REPAIR
GET WRENCHED
GLOVER INTERNATIONAL
GREAT WEST KENWORTH
GUARANTEED AUTO REPAIR
HARBOUR AUTO
HEAVY DIESEL REPAIR
INTEGRA TIRE MACLEOD TR.
J&W DIESEL
JACK CARTERS
K.B.R.
KAL TIRE GROUP
MOLI INDUSTRIES
NEW WEST TRUCK CENTRES
OK TIRE 17TH SW
OKOTOKS FORD
OUR MECHANICS
PARADISE TRUCK REPAIR
RIFT VALLEY TRUCKS
RIVERTON CONSTRUCTION
ROCKY MTN. AUTO REPAIR
ROSS CUSTOM PAINT
S&V MOTORS
SHAGANAPPI GM
SHAW BODY SHOP
SOUTHLAND TRANSPORTATION
SPEEDY APOLLO BANNISTER ROAD
STAMPEDE TOYOTA
STARTEC COMPRESSION
SUNBELT SE CALGARY
SUNRIDGE MAZDA
SUNSHINE AUTO
SUPERIOR POWER PRODUCTS
T&T HONDA
T.C.B. TRAILER REPAIR
TOWER CHRYSLER
TRAILER WIZARDS
UBER AUTOBODY
UNOBTAINIUM WELDING
VALENTINE VOLVO
WOODRIDGE
Employer testimonials
What can I say, Motive Action has been so great to deal with for well over 18 years now. We must have over 1/2 dozen employees currently working for us that have come through Motive Action. One former student is now employed as a senior service writer, another 4 students have now become journeyman technicians and still 3 more have begun their journey towards their apprenticeships. We are definitely looking forward to another 18 years with Motive Action.
Dennis Aberle, Service Manager
STAMPEDE TOYOTA
Southland Transportation has been providing work experience and job opportunities to Motive Action students for over 20 years. The Motive Action training program has provided great workers who have the basics to start in any shop and provide back up if and when issues arise. we currently employ at least 1/2 dozen former students who are in different stages of their apprenticeship. When looking for entry-level staff, Motive Action is one of the first places I call.
Cindy Stich, Service Manager
SOUTHLAND TRANSPORTATION
Since 1990, we have provided work experiences for at least a dozen or more students and employment for eight individuals. Currently, we employ 5 Motive Action graduates; 1 has been a Journeyman technician for over 10 years now; another is a 3rd year Apprentice; and 2 more are in their second year of apprenticeship. We always look forward to working with Motive Action’s graduates and will continue to do so whenever they need us or we need them.
Shiraz Somji, Owner/Manager
aLL MAKES AUTO REPAIR
FAQ
How much financial help will I get?
The Motive Action training program is FREE for eligible Albertans. If you require additional help, there are subsidies available to help cover living costs while you are in the program that you may be eligible for. We can help determine if you qualify and how to access these subsidies if you do. Learn more about the 2 subsidies currently available here.
Why should I take the program?
If you want to start a career in the trades but do not have education or training, Motive Action can help. If you are eligible, our training program is free, and will give you the necessary knowledge, skills, hands-on experience and connections to help you succeed in the trades industry.
Will Motive Action get me a job?
Approximately 90% of Motive Action graduates get full-time employment in the trades upon completion of the program. It’s important to remember that success in the trades depends on hard work and reliability. If you put your mind to it, you’re likely to get a full-time job after completing the program.
Is there a lot of homework?
Generally, most of the work is done during the hours of the program leaving little to no homework. However, if you need to improve your English or Math skills, you may need to do some additional work at home.
Can I still work while I am in training?
Yes – to a maximum of 19 hours per week.
What are the hours of the training?
The training at Motive Action is 30 hours per week 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Once you move into the work experience portion, you’ll work 40 hours per week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Will I need tools?
For the training, the only 2 things you need are steel-toe capped boots and coveralls. However, you’ll want to start thinking about purchasing tools for when you start working full time after graduating from the Motive Action training program. The tools you will need will cost about $500 or $600.
What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a formal government training program which consists of learning on-the-job while you are getting paid plus there are periods of time when you need to go to school at SAIT. You can find additional information on apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs at tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
What qualifications do I need to start an apprenticeship?
To apprentice, you either need to complete Grade 12 or write an entrance exam, which Motive Action can help you prepare for. To find detailed information on apprenticeships in Alberta, visit tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Will Motive Action get me an apprenticeship?
We will certainly help you get a job. From there you have to work hard enough to get signed up for an apprenticeship with your employer. We have connections with employers who offer jobs and apprenticeships in the Calgary area. We will put you in direct contact with them and help you get employed.
What qualifications do I need to start an apprenticeship?
To apprentice, you either need to complete Grade 12 or write an entrance exam, which Motive Action can help you prepare for. To find detailed information on apprenticeships in Alberta, visit tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.