Automotive Technology

 

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AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

  • Specialized Training

  • Modern Technology

  • Financial Aid Available

  • Manufacturer Training Program

 

Program Overview

General Program Information

Due to the popularity of our program, a lottery selection sytem is used to determine your starting semester. Contact Thomas Baird for an appointment to sign up: 530-895-2448.

The Automotive Technology program is a vocational core of classes designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians. Training is given in both theory and practical skills in the operation, maintenance, and repair of today's automotive systems. Classes are held in a modern and well-equipped lab where the students learn the practical skills and work habits essential to sound pre-employment training.

The program's goal is to produce a highly skilled apprentice entry-level technician with strong basic skills in both principles of operation and system service procedures.

The program consists of 362 lecture hours and 1100 laboratory hours. Every lab class runs a working shop. Students work in teams of two and are assigned their own work stations.

Honda & GM Manufacturer Focus Training Programs

These programs are certified by the manufacturers and designed to train entry-level technicians for Honda or GM dealerships. This provides an excellent opportunity for students who would like a career as a Honda or GM technician.

Training Programs

Five Unique Training Programs

  • General Automotive Certificate (Training in all eight ASE areas)
  • Manufacturer Focus Training Programs for Honda and GM.
  • Specialized Automotive Certificate (Training in one or more areas)
  • Nontransferable Associates Degree
  • Transferable Associate Degree - Industrial Management
    For more information on Transferable Associate Degrees and to find out about transferring to Fresno State University Industrial Technology Program, click here: (more info).
 

 

Butte College offers five ASE Certified training programs that lead to successful careers. Each program has advantages and offers different entry levels of employment and income! Intro To Automotive Technology is a prerequisite for all automotive core courses and may be taken concurrently or waived for anyone who has completed one of the following: one or more years of high school automotive courses; or a basic working knowledge of automotive systems and hand tools.

Specialized Automotive Certificates

The certificate classes are designed for students who wish to specialize in one or more of the following areas. For details contact the Automotive Technology Department at (530) 879-6103.

General Certificate

General Automotive Certificate Program (For students who only wish to take automotive courses.)

The Certificate Program is divided into ten courses. The order in which you complete the courses may vary. We strongly recommend you contact the Automotive Technology Department prior to enrolling at (530) 895-2359. One of the instructors will gladly assist you with the development of a Student Education Plan.

It is highly recommended that students take AUT 41, 8A and 9A the first semester.

    Units  
AUT 1 Intro to Auto Technology 4 Class meets Tues & Thurs 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Chico Center - Tues & Thurs 3:00 to 5:00 am Main Campus
AUT 41 Specialized Auto Electronics  7 Class meets Mon, Wed & Fri from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
AUT 6A/7A Auto Electrical, Brakes, Suspensions & Steering 10 Class meets daily from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
AUT 8A/9A Auto Engines, Heating and AC Systems 10 Class meets daily from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
AUT 52A/53A Auto Transmissions, Drivelines and Axles 10 Class meets daily from 8:00 to 12:00 noon.
AUT 30/31 Engine Performance 10 Class meets daily from 8:00 to 12:00 noon.
                                                                


Program Details

Program Completion Time

Completion time will depend on the training program you select. The Specialized Certificate Programs can be completed in just one or two semesters. The General Automotive Certificate Program can be completed in three or four semesters, depending on how long a student wants to attend school each day (based upon a 17 week semester).

Tools

While enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program all tools are supplied for student use. Technicians must purchase tools before they can be employed or participate in the Automotive Sponsorship Program. Student discounts are available to our students through SnapOn Tools ....www.snapon.com.

Can I Take Only Automotive Classes?

YES, in fact some of the students do exactly that. However, most automotive manufacturers recommend that students complete associate degree requirements. Our better students find it beneficial to round out their education with an Associate of Science Degree in Automotive Technology.

School, Work and You

Each of the core classes meet five days per week, four hours per day, for a total of 20 hours each week. This schedule allows students to work part-time and or take general education courses for the Associate degree.

ASE Certifications and Licenses

Students are strongly encouraged to obtain their Enhanced Area Smog License, Air Conditioning Certificate, and as many ASE Certifications as possible before seeking employment....... www.asecert.org

Application and Enrollment

Students new to Butte College need to complete pre-enrollment activities prior to registering for classes. These include an assessment of basic skills, orientation to the college, and meeting with a counselor. The START program is designed to assist students with these requirements. Students have enrollment restrictions until they have completed the START program procedures. For an application or additional enrollment information, contact Admissions and Records at (530) 895-2361. For fall enrollment, contact the college in June. For Spring enrollment, contact the college in November.

Fees and Financial Aid

For semester cost including registration, materials fees, and textbooks is approximately $450 to $600. For the General Automotive Certificate Program the cost is approximately $2,200 to $3,000. FINANCIAL AID (federal and state grants, loans and scholarships) is available for qualified students. Call (530) 895-2311 for information.

Career Outlook and Salary Schedule

There is a current shortage of 20,000+ automotive technicians in California alone. If all automotive programs graduated the maximum number of students each year for the next 20 years, it would still not meet the demand for trained technicians. Currently, entry level salaries for qualified program graduates is $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Graduates with four years experience can earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. Technicians with ten years or more experience can earn $50,000 to $130,000 per year depending upon locale. Urban areas will offer a higher salary schedule than the rural areas.

Training Comparisons

Your Questions Are Important

As you begin interviewing colleges for your career choice, please use the following information as a means of comparison.

Questions
Butte College
Private Schools
Program Hours and Core Program Length
1462 Minimum - 16 - 24 Months
Ask the Rep - 9 - 18 Months
Class Size - Lecture
20 Students
Much Larger
Class Size - Lab
20 Students
Much Larger
Lab Team Size
2-Student Teams
3-5 Student Teams
Can I Take Automotive Classes Only?
Yes
Yes
Offers Associate Degree
Yes
Ask the Rep
Training Vehicles
30 - 35 Newer Model Vehicles
Ask the Rep
Manufacturers Focus Training Program
Yes
Ask the Rep
California Smog Inspection Program
Yes
May not be offer outside the State.
Cost of Living Expenses
Stay in Local Area
Higher than Local Area
Financial Aid
Yes
Yes
Total Program Cost
$2,500
$18,000 to $24,000

For additional information please call the Department of Automotive Technology: (530) 879-6103

Links to local race tracks:
Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico, CA: www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/SilverDollar.html
Cycleland Speedway, Chico, CA: speedwaybikes.com/tracks/chico.htm
Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA: www.thunderhill.com/

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