Automotive Technology
Program Narrative
Opportunities for well-trained and qualified technicians continue to increase. Vehicle sophistication and technology combined with increased customer expectations have made the challenges for service technicians even greater. NCC's program is designed to provide students with high-level technical understanding of current developments in the automotive service profession. The mastery of technology ranks as the primary objective for the program as it prepares students for the workplace. The two-year program is approved by GM and Chrysler. It features alternating classroom and supervised work experience at a sponsoring dealership or approved automotive service facility. Both the GM - Automotive Service Educational Program and the Chrysler College Automotive Program are certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation at Northampton Community College.
Program Features
The AAS program allows students to choose among 3 different options: ASEP (Automotive Service Educational Program), CAP (College Automotive Program), and Comprehensive. The ASEP and CAP options allow students to focus on courses devoted exclusively to current GM or Chrysler vehicles. Comprehensive students may select courses which provide product specific information from either GM or Chrysler or non-product specific automotive courses related to degree or diploma requirements. You may also earn a specialized diploma in Automotive Technology finishing in just two semesters.
All students in the program participate in practicums and apply their classroom theory to practical experience. Students work under the guidance of a mentor at an approved sponsoring automotive service facility. The knowledge and skills students gain in a real-world setting, results in a technician who can grow rapidly in technical competence.
The cost of tuition, fees, hand tools and other expenses are the responsibility of the student, however, since students are employees of sponsoring dealerships and approved service facilities, they earn while they learn. Some sponsors will provide a cash bonus to be used for tuition. Although this bonus is not part of the regular pay, it is based on performance at the sponsoring employer during the term of the program.
There is an online option available for those who are already ASE certified and are looking to finish an associate's degree. Find more information here.
Program Requirements
Enrollment in this program is limited, so apply early. As part of the application process, all students are required to secure a sponsor for the practicums. Assistance will be provided by the automotive staff during the application process. All students are required to have a valid Driver's License. Additionally students must be prepared to purchase an entry level set of hand tools.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Have the ability to enhance a positive attitude toward the dignity of work and professionalism.
- Function effectively in a working team of ideologically and culturally diverse persons.
- Think logically and decisively in the essential areas of automotive diagnostics and problem solving.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of general and highly specialized tools and equipment.
- Read and comprehend technical information and materials from printed and electronic sources relevant to the diagnosis and repair of automotive systems.
- Communicate effectively with differing views on both technical and lay levels.
- Communicate in writing, concisely and accurately, technical and interpersonal automotive topics.
- Adapt readily to the complexities of automotive technology and environments.
- Understand and accept learning as a lifelong requirement to enhance lives and careers.