Program Description:

The PQF Level 5 Diploma in Automotive Technology is a three-year program that is an advanced, industry-aligned qualification designed to equip learners with the technical expertise, supervisory capability, and diagnostic skills required in modern automotive service and repair environments. This program builds on foundational automotive competencies and elevates them to a higher level, focusing on complex systems analysis, advanced troubleshooting, workshop leadership, and application of emerging automotive technologies.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

Graduates of this diploma program shall achieve the following PEOs outcomes three (3) - five (5) years after program completion:

• Demonstrate Advanced Technical Proficiency - after graduation, graduates will be able to independently perform complex servicing, diagnostics, and repair tasks on modern automotive systems using industry-standard tools, equipment, and digital diagnostic technologies.

• Attain Competent Employment in the Automotive Sector - graduates will secure employment as automotive technicians, diagnostic specialists, service advisors, or related roles, meeting measurable performance indicators such as productivity, accuracy, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Apply Supervisory and Team Leadership Skills - graduates will demonstrate the ability to lead small teams or supervise workshop operations, effectively planning tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations.

• Engage in Continuous Professional Development - graduates will pursue relevant skills upgrading—such as hybrid/EV systems training, advanced diagnostics certification, or further academic qualifications—within 3 years to maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

• Exhibit Ethical Practice and Customer-Oriented Behavior - graduates will demonstrate professional ethics, accountability, environmental responsibility, and strong customer service, contributing to improved customer satisfaction and positive workplace reputation.

• Adapt and Respond to Emerging Automotive Technologies - graduates will show the ability to adapt to new automotive technologies, including electronic management systems, alternative fuel vehicles, and digital servicing platforms, and apply innovative solutions to technical challenges.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

By the time of graduation, the students of the program shall have the ability to:

• Engine Mechanical System Overhauling and Servicing, trainees will disassemble, inspect, measure, and reassemble internal combustion engines (gasoline and diesel) according to manufacturer clearance specifications.

• Advanced Electrical and Electronics Diagnosis technology, trainees will diagnose, trace, and repair faults within complex automotive electrical architectures, sensor networks, and body electronics.

• Electronic Engine Management and Drivability Tuning, trainees will troubleshoot electronic fuel injection (EFI), ignition, and emission control systems using advanced computerized diagnostic equipment.

• Power Train and Drivetrain Systems Overhauling, trainees will service, troubleshoot, and overhaul manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, clutches, differentials, and drive axles.

• Under chassis, Suspension, and Steering System Servicing, trainees will diagnose and repair conventional and electronic suspension systems, steering mechanisms, and perform precise wheel alignments.

• Advanced Braking and Stability Control Systems, trainees will service and troubleshoot conventional hydraulic brakes as well as electronic anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability programs (ESP).

• Climate Control and HVAC System Servicing, trainees will inspect, test, flush, and recharge automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in compliance with environmental laws.

• Workshop Supervision and Service Operations Management, trainees will manage workshop resources, lead teams, plan service operations, and produce standard service industry documentation.

• Technical Communication and Digital Literacy, trainees will utilize industry software and online service databases to extract repair data and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.

• Occupational Health, Safety, and Green Automotive Practices, trainees will enforce workplace hazard mitigation, maintain safety compliance, and practice eco-friendly management of hazardous automotive waste.

• Introduction to Hybrid, Electric Vehicle (HEV/EV), and Emerging Mobility, trainees will demonstrate baseline knowledge of alternative powertrain configurations and execute basic high-voltage safety and isolation protocols.