The United States automotive industry employs approximately 7 million workers. It is an ever-changing field due to advancement of technology and increasing awareness of global and energy issues.
SWCC's automotive repair technology program is a great way to train for a career in the automotive industry. SWCC graduates high quality technicians who are trained to maintain, diagnose, and repair today's dynamic vehicles. Salaries and benefit packages reflect this growing need as independent repair shops, dealerships, and franchised shops are employing technicians who specialize in one-day repair.
SWCC's automotive instructors are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)-certified and use a hands-on approach in the classroom.
First-year automotive repair students study automotive electrical circuits, brakes, suspensions, alignment, air conditioning and heating systems, and basic power train. Advanced course work leading toward the associate of applied science degree includes instruction in the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of fuel systems, engine repair, electronic engine controls, and advanced techniques in the service and repair of brake and suspension systems.
Course work and credits earned in automotive repair can be articulated into advanced studies in automotive repair at other institutions or into SWCC's collision repair program.
NOTE: This program is located on the Creston campus.
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a specialized degree that can be used for immediate entry into the workplace. Emphasis is placed on competence of applying basic principles, theories, and occupational skills. These are two-year programs.
Diploma
A diploma is awarded upon successful completion of all courses in a career and technical education program of less than two years.
Certificate
A certificate is awarded following successful completion of a select group of career courses in a four- to six-month format.
Potential Careers
- Light mechanical repair technician
- Auto maintenance technician
- Parts technician
- Business owner
Sample Courses
- AUT 104 Introduction to Automotive Technology
- AUT 404 Automotive Suspension and Steering
- AUT 603 Basic Automotive Electricity
- AUT 140 Welding for Automotive Mechanics
- AUT 503 Automotive Brake Systems
- AUT 652 Advanced Automotive Electricity
- AUT 704 Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- AUT 242 Basic Automotive Powertrain
- AUT 870 Automotive Service Management
- AUT 190 Hybrid Fundamentals
- AUT 834 Automotive Fuel Systems
- AUT 163 Automotive Engine Repair
- AUT 173 Advanced Automotive Engine Repair
- ECN 115 Personal Finance
- AUT 844 Automotive Electronic Engine Controls
- AUT 535 Advanced Automotive Brakes and Alignment
- PHS 125 Physical Science (with lab)
- AUT 243 Advanced Automotive Powertrain
- AUT 823 Advanced Automotive Tune-up
Click on the course number in the list above to view the course description. This may not be a complete list of courses that may be included for the Automotive Repair Technology program. To see all courses in a semester-by-semester plan, view the Automotive Repair Technology program course outline.
Degree requirement advising sheet
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate safe work practices to protect vehicles, self and the environment (hazardous waste material handling).
- utilize service literature and manuals, standards, terminology, and tools effectively and efficiently.
- exhibit the ability to do systematic diagnostics and repair strategy to maintain modern automobiles and light trucks.
- maintain and perform repairs to automotive electrical systems, automatic and/or manual transmissions, steering and suspension, brake systems, heating and air conditioning systems, and internal combustion engine repair/or engine performance to NATEF standards.
- communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in writing and speech along with listening to and understanding information and ideas as presented verbally to team members and others.
US Dept of Labor Occupational Profile for Automotive Repair Technology Diploma - 49-3023