Automotive Electronic Specialist

The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics or to allow students to continue toward a Baccalaureate degree in other advanced schools of technology in preparation for future management and teaching careers in the automotive industry.

The College of Alameda ATECH program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and was recognized as the “Best Auto Mechanics Training Program” in California in 1999 and again in 2002 by the Industry Planning Council of the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association.

Instruction covers safety, trade ethics, use of hand and power tools, as well as the theory, repair and testing of automobiles and their components. Special emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and repair of electronic and computer control systems in late model automobiles.

Upon registering for a class in the automotive major area, a student will receive a list of required basic tools. The student will be expected to purchase tools that relate to the course in which he/she has enrolled. The purpose of this requirement is to assure that all students graduating from the program possess tools in a quantity sufficient for trade entry as an apprentice.

Upon graduating with an Associate in Science (AS) degree, the beginning apprentice will have the union four-year night school requirement waived. The graduate with only a Certificate of Completion will have two of the required four years of night school waived. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will give one-year experience credit for the two-year program towards the ASE certification program in Auto Mechanics.

Confer with the division counselor for the specific course pattern of requirements and prerequisites. Students may not take more than one of the following 10-unit “major” courses in a single semester: ATECH 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 40, 41, 42, and 45. Priority for enrollment in any “major” class will be given to students with the most seniority in the program. A minimum grade of “C” in ATECH 21 and 26 may be required for enrollment in a student’s first “major’ course.

Associate in Science (AS) Degree and Certificate of Achievement Programs: It is recommended that these courses be completed prior to enrollment in any of the “major” Auto Mechanics classes: • Completion of ENGL 268A-268B or ESL 253A-253B, or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better. • One year of high school algebra or completion of MATH 225 with a grade of “C” or better.

The AS degree will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the major course requirements listed below for each option and the General Education requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree listed in the Degrees, Programs & Transfer Requirements section of this Catalog.

Career Opportunities

The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics. Upon registering for a class in the automotive major area, a student will receive a list of required basic tools. The student will be expected to purchase tools that relate to the course in which he/she has enrolled. The purpose of this requirement is to assure that all students graduating from the program possess tools in a quantity sufficient for trade entry as an apprentice. Upon graduating with an Associate in Science (AS) degree, the beginning apprentice will have the union four-year night school requirement waived. The graduate with only a Certificate of Completion will have two of the required four years of night school waived. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will give one year experience credit for our two-year program towards the ASE certification program in Auto Mechanics.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Be ‘lifelong learners’ in the field of automotive technology, keeping up with changes in vehicles, in diagnostics and in repair procedures through a commitment to continual learning and training.
2. Communicate effectively with customers, supervisors and co-workers.
3. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in the process of diagnosing and repairing vehicles.
4. Competently perform industry standard automotive repair procedures, using proper tools, procedures and diagnostic techniques, as specified in the NATEF program certification process.