Automotive Career Education

Associates of Science in Automotive Technology:

The Automotive Career Education Associate of Science degree provides technical preparation in the skills required to maintain, inspect, service, repair, and diagnose vehicles and is suitable for students wishing to further their education and career opportunities. Students who pursue the degree option can benefit from the combination of hands-on, skills competency-based education combined with general education and work experience. Further education can be pursued through transfer opportunities. 4-year degree programs can benefit automotive technicians and students who are pursuing related fields such as technical writing, engineering and manufacturing, business, and education

a)    Automotive Career Education AS Degree Outcomes:

1)    Identify and describe automotive system theory and operation.

2)    Perform maintenance service procedures in a timely manner and to industry standards.

3)    Practice safety in the repair and service associated with automotive systems.

4)    Using a systematic approach, determine the proper method of testing to be performed on automotive systems.

b)    Program Requirements include the following courses:

1)    V11Automotive Vehicle Maintenance: 3.0 units, 105 hours

2)    V12Automotive Electrical Systems I: 4.0 units, 140 hours

3)    V13Automotive Engine Repair: 4.0 units, 140 hours

4)    V21Automotive Brakes: 4.0 units, 140 hours

5)    V22Automotive Steering & Suspension, 4.0 units: 140 hours

6)    V23Automotive Electrical Systems II: 4.0 units, 140 hours

7)    V31Automotive AC & Heating: 4.0 units, 140 hours

8)    V32Automotive Engine Management: 4.0 units, 140 hours

9)    V33Automotive Manual Transmissions & Transaxles: 4.0 units, 140 hours

10) V41Automotive Automatic Transmissions & Transaxles: 4.0 units, 140 hours

11) V42Automotive Engine Driveability: 4.0 units, 140 hours

The program has a requisite structure and requires students begin the program with the V11 Vehicle Maintenance course. Students identify their personal goals and objectives in the Vehicle Maintenance course and receive counseling to guide them on the correct pathway. From there a cohort system is established to align student goals with multiple program competencies.

The Ventura College Automotive program has undergone a realignment of its courses and sequencing over the last 4 school years. This process involved implementing a true 4 semester rotational schedule with a repeatable sequence designed to guarantee students the opportunity of program completion within 2 academic years (21 months). In the Fall of 2018, the final scheduling corrections we re made allowing for 2 cohorts of 24 students each to move through the program. 4cohorts of students exist at any given time and student attrition is accounted for by accepting additional students which accommodates both part time and special population students, this makes the cohort size a variable between an average of 48 – 56 students per year, or 96 – 116 at any given time. While fulltime students are ideal so that each cohort moves through the program in a two-year cycle, it is not required as part time and special population’s pathways must be accommodated to meet both industry and educational needs.

Course enrollments for the Automotive Program have been well above the local and state college averages for some time. Course success rates have also been above average. However, the certificate and degree completions have historically been below average. The current Automotive program staff has worked at closing the certificate gaps and success can be seen in the number of certificates issued rising from a 5-year average of 11 – 12 per year, to an average of 33.5certificate completions over the last two academic school years (17-18, 18-19).This has also been the result of emphasis on workforce development by the state and college. The rollout of the new certificate structure is expected to significantly increase the number of completers and captures student success for industry standard skills attainment that was not previously awarded a COA.

The Labor Market Data available does not reflect regional data that was recently pulled through the COE during development of the new ACE Programs and only accounts for predicted growth within the industry. According to 2017 data, there were 146 completions from 7 regional college automotive programs with 510openings, this means that the 7 institutions are underserving local industries and that college programs have plenty of opportunity for growth to address this gap. Furthermore, regional job hiring processes primarily appear to use job postings as the way of counting openings. Many of our students, and many technicians receive jobs by having an application on file meaning that no job posting is made. To put perspective on our local area, the Auto Program had 39TTEN internships in the 18-19AY, 16 general program internships (non-TTEN students), 169 successful ASE certifications (currently only counting TTEN students), 29 Toyota Maintenance Technician Certifications, 29 Toyota Certified Technician certifications, and 22 Toyota Expert certifications. Additionally, we had 390 SP2 (Osha approved safety training) certificates, 26 NC3 Pro-Cut certifications, and 38 Digital Multi-Meter certifications. The program also certifies potential smog candidates.

Seethe attached document for detailed information on enrollment and completer projections;ACE_Enrlmnt_Cmpl_Data(2019)

The design of the proposed certificate structure is consistent with the mission of Ventura College as stated below:

Vision

Ventura College will be a model community college known for enhancing the lives and economic futures of its students and the community.

Mission

At Ventura College, we transform students’ lives, develop human potential, create an informed citizenry, and serve as the educational and cultural heart of our community. Placing students at the center of the educational experience, we serve a highly diverse student body by providing quality instruction and student support, focusing on associate degree and certificate completion, transfer, workforce preparation, and basic skills. We are committed to the sustainable continuous improvement of our college and its services.

The college is dedicated to enhancing the lives of students, developing their potential and improving the economic future of both students and the community.  This program will enable students to develop their critical thinking skills, increase employability skills, and contribute to increasing success for the industry for which they will work. The stackable Certificate of Achievement Programs are in alignment with the mission of the college.

The program is designed and intended to prepare students for careers with job titles that include the following:

·       Automotive Maintenance Technician

·       Automotive Service Technician

·       Automotive Repair Technician

·       Automotive Diagnostic Technician

·       Automotive Master Technician

·       Automotive Service Advisers

·       Automotive Supervisors / Lead Technician

The Ventura College Mission states “Placing students at the center of their learning experience, we serve a highly diverse student body by providing innovative instruction and student support, focusing on associate degree and certificate completion, transfer, workforce preparation, and basic skills.” The new Ventura College ACE program focuses on workforce preparation, associate degree and certificate completion and primarily serves to meet two of the five goals set forth in the 2017 – 2023 Master Educational Plan:

·       Goal 1: Increase the success of our students while closing equity gaps

o  Objective7:Ensure that all Workforce Preparation programs meet student employment goals set by the State of California.

·       Goal 2: Increase our community’s access to transfer, workforce preparation, and basic skills education

The Automotive program at Ventura college focuses on career pathways for students and offers multiple options leading to employment. Currently those offerings include; Toyota's Technical Training & Education Network (T-TEN) CEED Program providing students access to Repair and Diagnostic level manufacturer certification, a Subaru-U program providing students access to Subaru University and manufacturer maintenance certification, a BMW step program providing a fast-track factory training and employment pathway, NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) skills certification, and Ca. Smog Technician certification and training. The program has been very successful with a high percentage of employed students and increased certificate and degree completions.

The ACE Programs include a 6-tier stackable certificate system that provides students with multiple pathways for employment within the automotive industry. The certificates are closely aligned with common job specialties and categorizations and ensure that work experience is acquired as increasingly higher skill set certificates are awarded. Occupations related to this program include (but are not limited to); Automotive Maintenance Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Automotive Repair Technician, Automotive Master Technician, Automotive Specialty Technician, and First Line Supervisors of Mechanics,Installers, and Repairers. 

The program emphasizes critical thinking skills, practical hands-on skills, safety, and employability (soft) skills throughout the curriculum which is reinforced by nationally recognized instructor-led modular certificate programs such as NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers)sponsored Snap-On Industry certification for On-Car Brake Lathes, Digital Multimeters, Mitchell ProDemand (repair and service information database), SP2 safety training, and TTEN (Toyota’s Technician Training and Education Network) Manufacturer level certification. Students can continue their education by pursuing a 2-yearMaster Program Certified NATEF (National Automotive Technician EducationFoundation) certificate, and / or a 2-year Associates of Science degree inAutomotive Career Education. Additionally, the program offers non-core coursesthat prepare students for a California State Smog licensing exam and entry intothe field as a Smog Inspector.

While the main focus of the program is to place students in career positions within regionally located automotive repair facilities, students who do not wish to pursue a working career as an Automotive Technician and who do not meet the internship hours requirements have the option of acquiring the Maintenance Certificate, 2-Year ASE Education Foundation Certificate, and the2-Year AS degree.

The goal of the programs are to provide students with qualified certificates of achievement that demonstrate their preparedness to perform specialized skill sets that are aligned with current automotive industry technician positions. In order to achieve this the Automotive Career Education program has established a sequence of 6 stackable certificates that provide students with multiple career pathway opportunities. The program competencies have been developed in partnership with TTEN (Toyota’s Technician Training and Education Network) and the local automotive advisory group, aligned with and accredited under Master ASE Education Foundation program standards and the California BAR Smog Program. Recently, the programs have also adopted A Subaru-U,BMW-Step, and Toyota TECS program to provide even more career opportunities.

The program has a requisite structure and requires students begin the program with the V11 Vehicle Maintenance course. Students identify their personal goals and objectives in the Vehicle Maintenance course and receive counseling to guide them on the correct pathway. From there a cohort system is established to align student goals with multiple program competencies.

1)   Automotive Career Education AS Degree

2)   Automotive Career Education AS Degree Catalog Description:

The Automotive Career Education Associates of Science degree program certificate provides technical skills preparation for inspection, service, and repair of all major automotive systems. Students who wish to further their career options within the automotive industry, and students who do not pursue employment within the industry as an automotive technician can achieve a degree with transfer options. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills, safety and hands-on practical application, and employability skills throughout the program. Students pursuing transfer and further degree options will attain an “emphasis / specialty in automotive technology” in correlation with their chosen educational pathway.

3)   Automotive Career Education AS Degree Program Student Learning Outcomes 

a)   Identify and describe automotive system theory and operation.

b)   Perform maintenance service procedures in a timely manner and to industry standards.

c)   Practice safety in the repair and service associated with automotive systems.

d)   Using a systematic approach, determine the proper method of testing to be performed on automotive systems.

4)   Automotive Career Education AS Degree Required Courses Catalog Descriptions

a)   ACE V11: Automotive Maintenance

This course is a prerequisite for all automotive coursework and prepares students for an entry-level position as a maintenance technician. The course covers automotive industry structure, successful career building techniques, employee and employer responsibilities, shop safety procedures, tools and equipment, vehicle inspections, and basic maintenance, service, and repair procedures. Partial preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) G1 (Maintenance Technician Certification) is provided. The course also determines which automotive work experience path is best suited for each student and determines the most appropriately matched program cohort.

b)   ACE V12: Automotive Electrical Systems I

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to service and repair base vehicle electrical systems. Electrical theory and circuit building are covered followed by inspection, testing and diagnosis of battery, starting, charging, interior and exterior lighting, horn, headlights, window washer, and power windows. Students will learn to use manufacturer approved scan tools, lab scopes, digital Multimeters, and other current industry test equipment. Skills are assessed through individual written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for ASE (AutomotiveService Excellence) A6 (Electrical/Electronic Systems) are covered withemphasis on electrical systems.

c)   ACE V13: Automotive Engine Repair

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair automotive engines with emphasis on internal combustion engine inspection and repair procedures. Cylinder block, cylinder head, lubrication, and cooling system inspection and repair, and mechanical engine diagnosis are covered in detail. Students are individually assessed through written and skills competency performance exams with emphasis on employability skills. Students will learn to use manufacturer approved specialty engine service and diagnostic tools. Preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification (A1)is provided.

d)   ACE V21: Automotive Brake Systems

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to inspect, service, and repair automotive brake systems including disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic systems, power assist systems, and ABS/VSC (Anti-Lock Brake and Vehicle Stability Control)systems. Students will learn to use current manufacturer approved service and test equipment including on-car brake lathes, digital multimeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, and scan tools. Students are individually assessed through written and skills competency performance exams with emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)certification (A5, Brakes) test is included.

e)   ACE V22: Automotive Steering and Suspension

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to inspect, service, and repair automotive steering and suspension systems including wheel alignment, vehicle noise and harshness, tire service and repair, and electronic control systems (Tire Pressure Monitoring, Vehicle Stability Control, Ride Height, etc.). Students will learn to use current manufacturer approved service and test equipment including wheel alignment racks, strut and spring compressors, specialtysteering and suspension service tools, digital multimeters, digital storageoscilloscopes, and scan tools. Students are individually assessed through writtenand skills competency performance exams with emphasis on employability skills. Preparationfor ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification (A4, Suspension andSteering) test is included.

f)     ACE V23: Automotive Electrical Systems II

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to service and repair vehicle electronic control systems. multiplexed electronic systems, vehicle network communications, infotainment systems, navigation systems (GPS), safety and security systems, and Hybrid introduction are covered. Students will learn to use manufacturer approved scan tools, lab scopes, digital Multimeters, and other current industry test equipment. Skills are assessed through individual written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) A6 (Electrical/Electronic Systems) are covered with emphasis on the electronic systems.

g)   ACE V31: Automotive Heating and Air-Conditioning

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to inspect, service, diagnose, and repair automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students will learn to use current industry standard tools including AC (air conditioning)refrigerant identifiers, refrigerant recovery, handling, and recharging equipment, pressure gauges, leak detection equipment, and more. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certification test preparation is provided for A7 (Heating& Air Conditioning) and MVAC (Motor vehicle air conditioning) Certification to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 609 requirements. Skills are assessed through individual written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. 

h)   ACE V32: Automotive Engine Management

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to service and repair base engine control management systems including input sensors, ignition systems, fuel systems, intake, and exhaust systems. Students will learn to use manufacturer approved scan tools, lab scopes, digital Multimeters, and other current industry test equipment. Skills are assessed through individual written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for ASE(Automotive Service Excellence) A8 (Engine Performance) and L1 (Advanced Engine Performance) are provided between Engine Management and Engine Driveability.

i)     ACE V33: Automotive Manual Transmissions and Transaxles

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to inspect, service, and repair manual transmissions and transaxles. Clutch / hydraulic control, Manual Transmission and Transaxle, Propeller shaft and axles, differential, and Four-Wheel drive / All-Wheel Drive systems are covered.  Students will learn to use current industry standard tools including manufacturer approved scan tools, digital multimeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, and specialty transmission tools. Skills are assessed through written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Manual Drive Trains and Axles technician certification test (A3) is provided.

j)     ACE V41: Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to inspect, service, and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles. Off-vehicle and on-vehicle inspection, service and repair procedures are performed on FWD and RWD (Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive) transmissions, along with mechanical and electrical diagnosis. Students will learn to use current industry standard tools including manufacturer approved scan tools, digital multimeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, and specialty transmission tools. Skills are assessed through written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)Automatic Transmission/Transaxle technician certification test (A2) is provided.

k)   ACE V42: Automotive Engine Driveability

This course provides technical preparation in the skills required to diagnose engine control systems with specific emphasis on OBD II (on-board diagnostics 2nd generation), misfire and fuel, emissions, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, engine control module diagnosis, and no-start driveability diagnosis. Students will learn to use current industry standard tools including manufacturer approved scan tools, digital multimeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, 5-Gas analyzers. Skills are assessed through written and skills competency performance exams with an emphasis on employability skills. Preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) A8 (Engine Performance) and L1 (Advanced Engine Performance) certification tests are provided between Engine Performance I and EnginePerformance II.