Description
“Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the jobs of automotive service technicians and mechanics. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.”

“The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials. Automotive service technicians and mechanics use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that have gasoline engines. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional handtools.” (Description adapted from the 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook.)

Completion of the SLTATC Automotive Technician Program will equip students with the skills and knowledge to seek employment as entry-level automotive service technicians. Individuals wanting refresher training in a specific skill or upgrade training in a particular subassembly may enroll in individual courses with the prior approval of Student Services and the program instructor.

Certification:
Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) Certificate of Completion: Automotive Technician. Completion of this program will also prepare students to sit for the ASE certification tests in four areas: Brake Systems, Electrical and Electronics Systems, Engine Performance & Diagnostics, and Suspension and Steering Systems.

Skills you will learn:

Structure
Competency based format; open-entry, open-exit delivery. Students must take the “Introduction and Safety” course first and pass with a score of 100%.

Program Disclosure Documents
The College has a detailed disclosure document which discusses important information about being a student in the Automotive Technician program. Access the program disclosure documents.

Length
Typically, students will spend approximately 1,560 hours learning the required material in this program. The actual time depends on the schedules selected by the students and their ability to master the subject material. Students choose when they want to attend courses during the hours when the courses are offered and seats are available. Sponsored students may be required to complete programs and courses within a certain time period.

Location
This program is offered at the following location:

• West Valley Training Center

Specific Program Requirements
Student Services will assess the math and English language skills of new adult students using the Test of Adult Basic English (TABE) Locator and Survey or by evaluating their skills through high school or college transcripts. High school students are not tested; instead, their school counselor will determine if they have met the appropriate skill levels for the training program they are entering. The assessment and an introductory meeting with an SLTATC Student Advisor will determine specific training needs and an appropriate program schedule for new students.

Articulation Agreements
Certain courses in this program may be transferable from competencies to college credit at the Salt Lake Community College. Read more about Articulation Agreements and Pathways.

Tuition and Fees: Automotive Technician

Fees as of July 1, 2008. Subject to change without notice.

*Costs are based upon the enrollment of 30 hours per week, 20 hours per week and 10 hours per week and 100% progress, for in-state, adult students. Actual training time and cost of tuition will be based upon the exact number of hours a student is enrolled each week and progress in their courses. Tuition and fee information is published on the College web site. College fees include registration fee and monthly supply fee.

**See bookstore for texts required by course and current pricing. Optional texts are not included in this cost.

This publication is not a contractual agreement. While all costs are good faith estimates based upon current prices, the costs of textbooks, materials, equipment and clothing are variable and outside of the control of the College.

Tuition rates are established and approved by the Utah State Board of Regents and the Utah College of Applied Technology Board of Trustees. In accordance with State law, the public will be notified in advance and will be able to comment regarding any proposed changes in tuition.