Hybrid / Electric Vehicles

The Automotive Technology program provides both classroom theory and extensive hands on (shop) entry-level employment training as well as professional upgrading to persons in the automotive industry. The program provides training for each of the areas tested for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, and Bureau of Automotive Repair training for state licenses as well.

The program emphasis is on various automotive manufacturer products. Specific NATEF Certified training in American Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Sales is available in designated courses. Students have the opportunity for internship training when available. If employed, student interns may work for a repair facility while concurrently receiving formal training in Automotive Technology coursework. Upon completion, the student may have the opportunity for full-time employment at that repair facility. While progressing through the training, students are strongly encouraged to obtain at least two Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications. 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete any degree or certificate in the Automotive Technology program will be able to:

• Accurately diagnose and repair light duty automotive systems and components.
• Identify workplace health and safety compliance using regulations published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Research automotive repair data, instructions, and specifications using printed material as well as computer database systems.

Career Options

Employment may be found as an entry-level automotive technician in an automotive manufacturer dealership such as Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus, an independent repair garage, or automotive repair franchises.

Award Description

The Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry-level maintenance and repair of hybrid vehicles. Students seeking employment at Toyota or Lexus Dealerships will also be certified by Toyota to perform warranty repairs, campaigns, and recalls on hybrid vehicles.

We estimate that 25 students will complete the certificate each year based upon enrollment of existing courses included in this proposed program.

This certificate prepares students for entry-level maintenance and repair of hybrid vehicles. The certificate focuses on diagnosis and repair of Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus hybrid engine systems, high voltage (HV) systems, climate control system, electric power steering, and engine control systems. This certificate prepares students for Toyota Hybrid certification and is intended for automotive technology students seeking Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) or Toyota Technician (T-TEN) certification.

Six courses, a total of 24 units, are required for this certificate. Five of the courses are existing courses, and one course is new--the Honda/Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Systems AUTO 180T course. The gateway course is currently offered in the summer term, and the remaining courses are offered in either the subsequent fall or spring term.