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An automotive technician is a skilled professional who specializes in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. They work on cars, trucks, and other vehicles, performing tasks such as inspecting engines, troubleshooting mechanical issues, replacing worn-out parts, and conducting routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.

Job Tasks

The job tasks of an automotive technician can vary depending on their specialization and the specific needs of their workplace, but here are some common tasks:

1. Diagnosing vehicle problems: Using diagnostic tools and their own expertise, technicians identify issues with vehicles, ranging from engine troubles to electrical system malfunctions.

2. Repairing or replacing parts: Technicians repair or replace the faulty components. This can involve tasks such as replacing brakes, fixing transmissions, or repairing engine components.

3. Performing routine maintenance: Technicians conduct regular maintenance tasks to keep vehicles in good working condition. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and replacing filters.

4. Conducting inspections: Technicians may perform inspections to assess the overall condition of a vehicle, identify potential issues, and ensure that it meets safety and emissions standards.

5. Using diagnostic equipment: Automotive technicians use a variety of diagnostic equipment, such as scanners and meters, to analyze vehicle systems and pinpoint problems accurately.

6. Keeping records: Technicians maintain detailed records of the work they perform, including repairs, maintenance tasks, and parts used. This documentation helps track vehicle history and provides valuable information for future repairs.

7. Communicating with customers: Technicians often interact with customers to discuss vehicle issues, explain necessary repairs, and provide cost estimates.

8. Keeping up with industry trends: Automotive technology is constantly evolving, so technicians need to stay updated on the latest advancements, tools, and techniques through ongoing training and education.

Program Structure

The Automotive Technician Apprenticeship is a 1.5 to 2-year program that provides hands-on instruction in the classroom and on the job. Apprentices take the Automotive Service Excellence and certification and receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.

This program is offered with credit-bearing coursework which requires general education credits. Students who are hired by a participating automotive company and accepted into the apprenticeship program at ����ý will enroll in: 

• General Education Courses  

  • COM 1150 / Public Speaking / 3 Credits or COM 1250 / Interpersonal Communication / 3 Credits 

  • ENG 1250 / English Composition I / 3 Credits or ENG 1031 / Technical Writing I / 3 Credits 

  • BUS 1015 / Introduction to Business / 3 Credits

  • MAT 1150 / Technical Mathematics / 4 Credits

  • CIS 1018 / Introduction to PC Applications / 3 Credits

• Credit courses: 

  • ASE 1001 / Auto Shop Orientation / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1003 / Auto Maintenance / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1010 / Automotive Brake Service I / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1011 / Automotive Break Service II / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1020 / Basic Automotive Electricity / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1023 / Starting and Changing Systems / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1030 / General Engine Diagnosis / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1034 / Automotive Fuel and Emissions Systems / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1040 / Suspension and Steering I / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1041 / Suspension and Steering II / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1050 / Manual Drive Train and Axle Maintenance / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1051 / Automotive Manual Transmission, Transaxles & Clutches / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1052 / Automotive Manual Transmission, Transaxles & Clutches II / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1053 / Automotive Drive Axle Overhaul / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 1054 / Manual Transmission/ Transaxle Diagnosis and Repair / 1 Credit 

  • ASE 1060 / Automotive Engine Repair / 2 Credit 

  • ASE 1091 / Engine Repair & Rebuild / 2 Credits 

  • ASE 2010 / Automotive Power and ABS Brake Systems / 2 Credits

  • ASE 2020 / Specialized Electronics Training / 2 Credits

  • ASE 2035 / Driveability & Diagnosis / 2 Credits

  • ASE 2050 / Automatic Transmission / Transaxle Repair / 1 Credit

  • ASE 2051 / Automotive Transmission & Transaxle Repair / 3 Credits

  • ASE 2052 / Advanced Automatic Transmissions / Transaxles / 2 Credits

  • ASE 2064 / Introduction to Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning / 1 Credit

  • ASE 2095 / Heating and Air Conditioning Systems / 4 Credits

  • ASE 2191 / Automotive Diesel Body Electrical / 3 Credits

  • ASE 2192 / Automotive Computers and Ignition Systems / 3 Credits

  • ASE 2193 / Auto Fuel Injection & Emissions Systems II / 3 Credits

  • ASE 2035 / Driveability & Diagnosis / 2 Credits

  • ASE 2194 / Suspension and Steering III / 3 Credits

• Students will work anywhere from 20-40 hours a week at their assigned automotive company and attend classes weekly for the automotive program.  

• Students are provided one-on-one ongoing support by the Workforce and Community Programs Department’s  Apprenticeship Team.  

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to participate in this program, a student must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the required admissions and application process: 

Eligibility Requirements 

• High school diploma or GED  

• 17 years old and older 

• Valid driver’s license 

• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Records (Must meet requirement upon hire and maintain through employment) 

• Successfully meet/pass these checkpoints: 

  • Drug test 

  • Background check 

  • Motor Vehicle Record screen 

Application and Admission Process 

• Submit the ����ý automotive program application online to the automotive service technology director.  

• Attend an Automotive Orientation. 

• Attend an interview with participating automotive company’s human resource representatives. 

• Be accepted for employment as an Automotive Apprentice with one of the participating automotive companies. 

Program Cost & Financial Assistance

The cost of this apprenticeship program is approximately $14,560 (with COF), as tuition is adjusted each academic year. See  ����ý’s Tuition and Fees to learn more.

• The cost of the program is the responsibility of the student.

• Some participating employers may provide financial assistance to the students for tuition. 

• Students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid to cover the credit courses.

• The student will be a paid employee of the participating employer. 

Program Completion

Students are eligible to earn an Automotive Service Technology associate of applied science degree from ����ý if they: 

• Complete the required pre-requisite courses and pass each college-credit course with a minimum grade of “C” 

Participating Companies

The following healthcare organizations are currently participating in this apprenticeship program with ����ý: 

Next Steps