Auto Technology

Return to Manufacturing, Trades and Transportation Programs

car engine being worked on by a mechanic

Prepare for a career in trades

Automotive Technology is an in-demand career with competitive salaries and advancement opportunities.

mechanic with checklist checking the engine

Overview

Modern automobiles are complex machines requiring service technicians who are highly skilled and knowledgeable about mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems. The automotive technology program provides a strong combination of classroom theory and hands-on practice, with courses based on competencies established by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). You can earn a certificate in maintenance and light repair and an associate degree in automotive technology in this pathway.

Program Map(s)

Job Market Data

Degree Options

Programs Offered

Automotive Technology

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Map(s) for this program

Automotive Technology - AAS

Automotive Technology for LCC BAS-OLTM

Associate in Applied Science - Transfer (AAS-T)

Program Map(s) for this program

Automotive Technology - AAS-T (BAS-OLTM Option)

Automotive Technology - Maintenance and Light Repair

Certificate of Proficiency (COP)

Program Map(s) for this program

Automotive Technology - COP

Program Costs

In addition to Tuition & Fees, the following equipment is required at the student's expense:

A Tool Set - Printable list of required tools and potential vendors
- For students that need assistance, LCC can provide a general tool set for use in the automotive lab that remains with the program. While this tool set is adequate to accomplish the work required of the students during their coursework, it should be understood that technicians are required to continue to build their tool kits throughout their career.
Safety Glasses*
A Lab Jacket*

*Students may purchase safety glasses and lab jackets through the LCC bookstore.

The faculty at LCC strongly recommend purchasing high quality tools that will support your future career. If there are questions regarding the required tool list, please reach out to either LCC Automotive Instructor:

Corry Kile at ckile@lowercolumbia.edu or (360) 442-2728
Gary Roeske at groeske@lowercolumbia.edu or (360) 442-2748

Skills & Abilities

Add the following new skills to your resume in two short years:

Essentials of mechanics
Automotive electrical systems
Vehicle climate control
Automotive chassis & engines
Fuels & emissions
Computer engine controls
Automotive drivetrains
Foundational skills for the trades
Industrial safety
Human relations
Industrial communications
Industrial math
First Aid/CPR

Career Paths

The Automotive Technology path can lead to a long-term career with a good salary, job advancement opportunities, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.

Look for the following career/job openings:

Automotive technician/mechanic
Service advisor
Service manager
Fleet maintenance
Auto parts counter associate
Fleet equipment technician
Equipment maintenance
Automotive shop owner
Automotive instructor
Automotive collision technician
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master mechanic
Automotive drivability technician
Automotive service technician
Certified ASE master automotive technician
Mechanic
Transmission re-builder

Unsure of your Career Pathway? We're Here to Help!

Visit our Career Services webpage to get started, or call (360) 442-2330 for help with your career search.

Career Services in Admissions Center
lowercolumbia.edu/careerservices
(360) 442-2330
careers@lowercolumbia.edu