Contact
Brad McCombs
Program Coordinator
Email: brad.mccombs@gcccd.edu
Phone: (619) 660-4267
Fax: (619) 660-4389
Automotive Technology
Automotive technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, prompting more and more employers to seek those who have completed a formal training program in a post-secondary institution. Cuyamaca College’s comprehensive Master Automotive Service Excellence Automotive Technology Program, which emphasizes practical experience in actual repairs under simulated shop conditions, is among the best in the region and will help prepare you for a career in the field.
FORD ASSET
Cuyamaca College’s Automotive Technology Program offers a Ford-sponsored ASSET degree program, which trains students in all systems of the manufacturer’s vehicles. One of only three in the state, the college’s Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Education Training) is recognized as one of the best training programs in the world.
GM ASEP
In addition, Cuyamaca College also offers the General Motors-sponsored ASEP degree program, which trains students in all systems of GM vehicles.
Degrees and Certificates
Students enrolling in the Automotive Technology Program at Cuyamaca College can earn an Associate of Science Degree in Automotive Technology, or a Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Technology with an emphasis in areas that include Advanced Engine Performance & Emissions, Brakes & Front End, and Engine Performance & Drive Train.
Do you want to work independently and own your own business someday? We also have a new degree called the ASCCA degree program. This program is designed to place students in sponsoring independent repair facilities where students gain valuable work experience and collaborate directly with business owners. You will develop an education plan designed to own and operate a small business. For example, your education plan may include real estate, business, and communication classes.
Unlike most training programs in which students gain skills before employment, ASSET and ASEP, and ASCCA students are employed in the industry while they’re learning the skills. Ford, Lincoln, and GM, and ASCCA auto dealerships sponsor the trainees, who alternate between on-campus instruction and paid work experience at the dealerships. Many of our classes include distance education technologies and are competency based work experience programs allow students to "prove their abilities", "test out" in the laboratory, and develop a portfolio of work prior to graduation.
Transfer
Students can transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their studies in fields ranging from automotive service management to design engineering technology.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for those earning a degree or certificate in the Cuyamaca College program include:
- Auto Electrician
- Auto Parts Salesperson
- Automotive Air Conditioning Technician
- Engine Machinist
- General Repair Technician
- Service Advisor
- Service Manager
- Transmission Technician
- Licensed Smog Inspector and Repair Technician
- (MLR) Maintenance and Light Repair Technician
- Automotive Repair Business Owner
- Ford Certified Automotive Technician
- General Motors Certified Automotive Technician
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees solid job growth for automotive service technicians and mechanics, projecting employment to increase 9 percent in the 10-year period ending in 2022. And, according to U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, many master technicians earn from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
Costs
A student can expect to pay approximately $4,000 for a two-year Associate of Science degree program. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Students attending non-accredited trade schools can expect to pay at least $30,000, which does not include a transferable degree and comes with less recognized certifications.
Smog Technician and Inspector Update and Citation Training
The Department also offers California Bureau of Automotive Repair (B.A.R) Smog Technician and Inspector Update Training, and Citation Training throughout the year for continuing education.
This program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation
Faculty & Staff
Crocker, Jeff
McCombs, Brad
Contact
Brad McCombs
Program Coordinator
Email: brad.mccombs@gcccd.edu
Phone: (619) 660-4267
Fax: (619) 660-4389
