Automotive technicians use a variety of tools and technology to diagnose car problems and repair them.
Auto service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain and repair cars. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they perform basic maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, as well as diagnose and execute complex repairs. Most auto service technicians work with technology, since most cars have integrated complex computers. Technicians also work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals. Students who enroll in automotive technician programs usually receive both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Several schools in Colorado provide automotive technician training programs.
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College is the largest community college in Colorado. It has several campuses across the state. Two of these campuses, in Larimer and in Westminster, offer an associate degree of applied science in automotive technology. Although students must take lab-based courses on campus, online general education courses are available. The program at Front Range is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) also certified the program. In addition to the associate's degree, Front Range also offers certificates in certain areas of automotive training, such as brakes or engine repair, which students can obtain in one semester.
Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College is located in Littleton, Colorado, and was the first community college to open in the Denver area. The average class size is 17.9 students. Arapahoe offers a two-year program leading to an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology. To enroll in the two-year program, students must meet certain requirements. First, they must attend a personal interview with the program director. They must also take a department-administered automotive assessment test and pass a background and urinalysis check. Students must also obtain employment with GM, Chrysler, Nissan, another manufacturer or an independent automotive repair facility. The program prepares students to take ASE certification exams and is certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
Westwood College
Westwood College is located in Denver, Colorado, and has two campuses within Denver. Automotive technology classes are taught only at the Denver-North campus. Students can take general education classes at the Denver-North campus, the Denver-South campus or online. The Denver-North campus is within easy access to downtown and I-35. Denver's nightlight center in lower downtown is only 15 minutes away. Westwood offers an associate's degree in automotive technology. It features training labs where students can practice using automotive testing equipment, such as handheld scanners and other computerized diagnostic tools. Students also practice directly on vehicles. Both NATEF and ASE certify the program.
Pikes Peak Community College
Pikes Peak Community College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and offers more than 125 programs of study. There are four campuses of Pikes Peak Community College, and some campuses offer child-care centers and fitness centers. The college offers three different associate's degrees in the automotive field: automotive technology, diesel technology and automotive technology with a diesel emphasis. The diesel technology degree focuses on the repair and service of heavy-duty diesel trucks, whereas the automotive technology degree with a diesel emphasis focuses on the repair and service of light diesel trucks and diesel cars. Students can also pursue a motorsports certificate.
Tags: Community College, automotive technology, Front Range, associate degree, College located, Denver-North campus, Peak Community
