The aim of Mechanical and Automotive 10, A20, B20, A30, B30 is to provide students with an understanding of how different automotive systems operate and with a set of skills that enables them to perform introductory service procedures.

Awareness: To provide students with an awareness of the skills that are necessary within the industry. To provide students with a knowledge base that will enable them to be more aware of maintenance and service procedures that automobile owners should follow.

Business Environment: To develop an understanding of the policies and procedures that are practiced in the automotive service industry.

Employability Skills: To develop some prerequisite skills necessary to successfully function in the automotive service industry.

Personal Management Skills: To promote self-esteem and confidence by exercising the same responsibilities as those of a regular employee in an automotive service shop. To promote self-esteem and confidence by providing students with automotive service knowledge and skills that will enable them to maintain and service personal vehicles.

Communications: To develop effective social and communication skills for an automotive service environment. To use terminology that will enable students to communicate effectively with others.

The automobile is one of the most significant inventions of the twentieth century. It affects the lives of virtually everyone, either directly or indirectly. Automobiles provide transportation of people and/or goods that is necessary for society to function. Many people engage in automotive service either personally and/or professionally. This curriculum guideline provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practice to participate in automotive service in either a personal or professional capacity. Learning of automotive skills at the Secondary Level may provide students with an opportunity for experience and/or entry level employment in the private sector. Time credit will be granted if students register as an apprentice following high school completion. There may also be an opportunity for advanced placement in a post-secondary training program.

The curriculum is designed in a modular format that provides flexibility in creating a course to meet the needs of the students. In schools where equipment and technical training is out-dated, it is recommended that partnerships with local industries be established. This partnership can provide a learning environment in which to develop current skills and experiences.

This curriculum is an adaptation of the Canadian Automobile Repair and Service (CARS) National Curriculum Standard. The CARS organization is a group of representatives from the major, foreign, and independent automotive manufacturers in collaboration with a separate educational committee. The purpose of the group was to create a national standard for automotive service repair and to promote the trade. All directors of apprenticeship in Canada have approved the CARS curriculum.

Foundational objectives are the major, general statements that guide what each student is expected to achieve for the modules of the PAA curriculum guide. Foundational objectives indicate the most important knowledge, skills, attitudes/values, and abilities for a student to learn in a subject. Both the Foundational Objectives for Mechanical and Automotive and the Common Essential Learnings (CELs) Foundational Objectives to be emphasized are stated in this document. Some of these statements may be repeated or enhanced in different modules for emphasis. The Foundational Objectives of the Core Modules of the Mechanical and Automotive Studies curriculum include:

• To identify health and safety hazards so that the potential for injury, damage to equipment, vehicles, and the environment are minimized.
• To develop a general understanding of the function and operation of automotive systems: power plant (engine), drive train, steering and suspension, electrical, body, and brakes.
• To develop knowledge of the automotive service industry practices and procedures.
• To demonstrate safe working practices and procedures for the automotive service industry.
• To demonstrate proper use of the tools and equipment utilized in the automotive service industry.
• To develop workplace skills, knowledge, and attitudes that may lead to successful employment.
• To create an awareness of the need for regular maintenance of an automobile through demonstration and practice.
• To provide students with experience in the automotive service industry that will enable them to make an informed decision about a career in this field.
• To foster employability skills related to the automotive service industry.
• To identify, wear, adjust and maintain personal protective equipment such as eye, ear, hand and foot protectors so that the wearer is optimally protected.

The curriculum may be offered in a variety of learning environments that range from a classroom in a school to an industry work site. It provides a balance between academic and work-based learning allowing students to keep open options for post-secondary education, training, or employment. This curriculum is part of the Practical and Applied Arts area that are specified electives at the Secondary Level in Saskatchewan.

Mechanical and Automotive 10, A20, B20, A30 and B30 are designed to create an awareness of the automotive service industry and develop introductory service skills. There are sufficient modules for five 100 hours courses including optional work study modules.