The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment predicts that the demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the state will increase by more than 7 percent from 2009 through 2019. A number of colleges in the state offer certificate and degree programs in automotive technology. Accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, these colleges qualify graduates for the examinations needed for national certification in the field of automotive repair, which can greatly improve their chances of finding employment.
Pikes Peak Community College
A public institution, Pikes Peak Community College is in Colorado Springs that opened in 1968. The college offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in automotive technology. The program includes coursework in computer science, organizational communications, brakes, batteries and starters, emissions, diagnostics, suspensions, axle service, engines, transmissions and heating and air conditioning. A combined associate degree program is also available for students who wish to learn repair diesel engines in addition to standard vehicles. The college also offers 12 short certificate programs related to specific topics in the field, such as parts, engine performance and manual drivetrains.
Eligible students can receive federal and state loans and grants, institutional scholarships, veterans' benefits and work-study placements. Job placement assistance is available. Pikes Peak Community College is known for its programs for minority students, designed to provide additional advising, career counseling and tutoring to help students succeed in their chosen courses of study.
Pikes Peak Community College
5675 S. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
800-456-6847
ppcc.edu
Arapahoe Community College
With an enrollment of around 8,200 students, Arapahoe Community College is a public, two-year institution in Littleton, a community around 12 miles south of Denver. The college offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science program in automotive service technology. Students can elect to study general automotive repair, taking classes in topics like brakes, driveability diagnostics, engine diagnosis and assembly and four-wheel drive systems. Alternately, students can elect to specialize in one of four manufacturers' programs, which concentrate on the repair of General Motors, Chrysler, Honda or Nissan vehicles. Graduates of the manufacturers' programs can gain certification both through the automobile maker in addition to the general automotive certification offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. All of the associate degree programs require students to complete a formal, hands-on apprenticeship placement in a real auto repair shop.
The college participates in government and military financial aid programs and offers a limited number of scholarships and work-study placements. Arapahoe Community College provides job placement assistance for all students. An on-site day care offers low-cost child care for students' children.
Arapahoe Community College
5900 S. Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80120
303-797-4222
arapahoe.edu
Western Colorado Community College
Located in rural Grand Junction, Western Colorado Community College is a public, two-year school affiliated with Mesa State College, a public, four-year institution. The college offers both a two-year Associate of Applied Science and a one-year certificate in automotive technology. Both programs require classes in vehicle service and inspection, engines, electrical systems, drivetrains, chassis, brakes, welding, mathematics and cooling systems. The degree program also requires students to take classes in English, kinesiology and humanities or behavioral sciences, where the certificate program only includes coursework directly related to automotive technology.
Among the financial aid options available to students at Western Colorado Community College are federal and state grants and loans, scholarships, veterans' benefits and work-study. Through a mentoring program, the college pairs minority students and those struggling with coursework with an faculty or staff member who provides one-on-one support to help ensure success. The college operates an on-campus day care.
Western Colorado Community College
2508 Blichman Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970-255-2600
mesastate.edu
Tags: Community College, Arapahoe Community, Arapahoe Community College, automotive technology, College public, Colorado Community, Colorado Community College
