Take charge of your future by enrolling in an auto mechanic program to prepare for a career in a field where there’s great demand. If you like getting your hands dirty and enjoy diagnosing and repairing cars and trucks, auto mechanics may be a perfect fit. Employers are always hiring skilled technicians to maintain and repair vehicles. Apart from working in car dealerships, repair shops, or service centers, you can also choose to work for yourself and build a successful business. There is a demand for technicians in almost every city as the number of vehicles on the road reaches staggering heights. The automotive mechanic program will include training in traditional systems as well as computerized devices found in today’s vehicles. You’ll acquire the technical skills to perform basic services on your own and build on them through continued work and experience in the field.
Evergreen Valley College
The Automotive Certificate of Achievement at EVC prepares students for entry-level employment in the automotive field as an express service technician. Students will receive an introduction to the tools and equipment used for repair and diagnostic work and learn the procedures for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems. Course topics include automotive systems, light line technician, electrical systems, automotive service operations, and introduction to engine performance. Students will also learn of opportunities available in the automotive industry. Each course must be completed with a grade C or better to obtain the Certificate of Achievement. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of various automotive systems found in gasoline combustion vehicles, perform inspections on basic automotive systems, perform maintenance tasks in accordance with proper procedure, and properly document service/repair information documents to ensure customer satisfaction.
Program overview:
Automotive Foundational Skills – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 1 semester
Units: 13
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18
- Must be a high school graduate
- Must pass the California Proficiency Exam
- Must hold a GED or be officially approved by his or her high school district if under 18
- Provide a valid Social Security Card and government issued photo ID or driver’s license
Program cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents.
- Website: http://www.sjeccd.edu/
- Address: 3095 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, CA 95135
- Phone: (408) 274-7900
Chabot College
The Chabot Automotive Technology program provides hands-on learning for adults seeking employment in the automotive industry. Through partnerships with industry, and ASE Master Accredited program, Chabot prepares students for the ever-changing automotive industry, including Hybrid, Electric Vehicles, Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Service Consulting. The certificate program lets students obtain high-level training without the excessive cost of a degree program. Students will learn about Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems (ADAS) and New Vehicle Technologies, fuel and emission systems, air conditioning systems, hybrid, electric and alternative fuels, manual and automatic transmissions and drive lines, and engines and engine performance. Instructors are ASE certified with extensive experience in the industry.
Program overview:
Automotive Maintenance Technology – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 1 semester
Units: 13
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have completed high school or GED
- Submit an application for admission to the program
- Provide a valid Social Security Card and government-issued photo ID or driver’s license
Program cost:
The program costs $1,218 for in-state students and $8,093 for out-of-state residents. Books and supplies cost an additional $3,834.
- Website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/?ref=logo
- Address: 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545
- Phone: (510) 723-6600
Center for Employment Training
Students enrolled in the Automotive Specialist program at the Center for Employment Training will acquire knowledge and skills to obtain entry-level employment in automotive repair. They will learn automotive theory, OSHA safety standards, customer service, and auto related math. Hands-on skills will cover troubleshooting carburetor systems, emission control systems, ad brake systems. Students will be assigned hands-on projects to complete the necessary repairs. Other areas of study include wheel alignment and balancing, engine tuning, basic computers, and job preparation. The class size is limited to 20 to 25 students with each cycle.
Program overview:
Automotive Specialist Certificate
Duration: 8 to 9 months
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent – options are available for non-high school graduates
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application for admission
- Take and pass the entrance exam
Program cost:
The program cost of $13,221 includes tuition, books, uniforms, and project supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://cetweb.edu/
- Address: 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Silicon Valley Career Technical Center
The Advanced Automotive Services course at Silicon Valley Career Technical Center is accredited by NATEF/AYES and prepares students for entry-level employment. The program is taught by ASE-certified technicians with many years of automotive repair and diagnostics experiences. They curriculum is developed with input from industry partners and meets the training needs to entry-level technicians. Students will learn in the school’s state-of-the-art lab that features modern equipment and training tools. The second year of training concentrates on live work and advanced training. Summer internships and job placement opportunities are offered to top students. Career readiness training is included in the curriculum. Graduates may be eligible for ASE Certification A-1 through A-8 and ASE G1 Certification. They will earn a certificate of completion and EPA Section 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Certification. The program is open to second-year students. Upon completion, they will earn 20 to 30 high school credits per year.
Program overview:
Advanced Automotive Services
Duration: 12 months to 24 months
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent (official transcripts preferred)
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application online
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Must be in good physical health
Program cost:
Training is free for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.metroed.net/SVCTE
- Address: 760 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
- Phone: (408) 723-6400
City College of San Francisco
The Automotive Technology program at City College of San Francisco provides students with knowledge and skills to obtain employment as an entry-level automotive technician. The program will include instruction in the classroom as well as live training where students will diagnose and repair autos. Course modules include Intro to Automotive Mechanics and Automotive Electrical. Students will also choose two of the elective courses – Automatic and Manual Transmission, Engine Repair, Engine Performance and Drivability, Introduction to Hybrid and EV Auto Maintenance and Repair, Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Automotive Suspension and Steering, Automotive Braking Systems, and Service Consultants. Courses must be completed with a grade C or better. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement. An Associate Degree option is also available.
Program overview:
Automotive Technician Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 2 semesters
Units: 18-27
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application for admission to the program
- Take and pass the entrance exam
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents.
- Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
- Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112
- Phone: Phone: 415-452-5101
Deanza College
The daytime Automotive Technician program at Deanza College prepares students for a career in automotive technician. The program is open to full-time students and runs for three years. The Machining and Engine Repair track takes three years to complete. Course modules are Principles of 4 Stroke Cycle Gas and Diesel Engines, Automotive Machining and Engine Service, Automotive Mechanisms, Automotive Electromechanical Systems, and Career Research and Employment in the Auto Industry. Other tracks include Engine Performance and Chassis and Powertrain. Students may enroll in the Certificate of Achievement – Advanced or Associate Degree pathway. Graduates may be eligible to apply for several industry certifications.
Program overview:
Machining and Engine Repair Certificate of Achievement – Advanced
Duration: 18 months
Units: 44
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent
- Apply for general admission to Deanza College before apply for admission to the program
- Take and pass an admissions assessment
- Attend a new student orientation
- Meet with a counselor to create an educational plan
- Apply for admission to the Automotive program
- Applicants with a valid driver’s license and related work experience will receive extra points in the admissions process
Program cost:
Tuition costs $31 per unit plus basic fees ($55.75 per full-time) for California residents.
- Website: https://www.deanza.edu/
- Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
- Phone: 408.864.8312
Skyline College
The Automotive Technician Fundamentals course at Skyline College covers basic automotive skills to prepare students for entry-level employment. Students will learn how to perform oil changes, safety inspections, fluid flushing procedures, tire inspection and repair, and preparing work orders and recommendations. Applicants must be able to use hand tools, stand for long periods, lift objects that weigh a minimum of 35 pounds, and have vision capable of reading mechanical precision measurement tools. The training will cover 56 to 63 lecture hours, 71 to 81 lab hours, and 112 to 126 homework hours per semester. There are no prerequisites to this course.
Program overview:
Automotive Entry Level Technician Fundamentals
Duration: 3 months
Units: 5
Clock hours: 270
Prerequisites:
- Must complete an online application to enroll in classes
- Attend a new student orientation
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Provide proof of age through driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport
- Must have social security card
Program cost:
Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://skylinecollege.edu/index.php
- Address: 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
- Phone: 650-738-4100