Automotive: Automotive Service Technology

(A NATEF Master Certified Program)

Location:

Aims Automotive & Technology Center
1120 South Gate Drive
Windsor, Colorado 80550
970.339.6286

Program Director:

Fred Brown, 970.339.6640

Advisors and Faculty:

Fred Brown, 970.339.6640

Larry Baker 970.339.6674

Mark Brothe, 970.339.6497

Dan Sisson, 970.339.6623

AYES Coordinator:

Dan Sisson, 970.339.6623

Degrees/Certificates Offered:

General Automotive Technician (A.A.S. degree)

Automatic Transmission (certificate)

AYES (certificate)

Brakes (certificate)

Electrical (certificate)

Engine Mechanical (certificate)

Engine Performance (certificate)

Heating & Air Conditioning (certificate)

Light Diesel (certificate)

General Automotive Technician Option (certificate)

Manual Trans & Drive Trains (certificate)

Steering and Suspension (certificate)

Program Length: Career and technical certificates, General Automotive Technician emphasis is 45 credit hours. AYES (Automotive Youth Educational System) emphasis is 41 credit hours. The degree can usually be completed within two years following a full time schedule of classes and no breaks in attendance. Preparatory classes, failure to pass classes, and other circumstances will require additional time.

Potential Opportunities: Employment opportunities in the Automotive repair and service fields are very good for the individual who has a genuine interest and desire to work on the modern automobile. Both auto manufacturers and repair facilities, on a nationwide basis, report a 5-digit figure regarding the shortage of qualified technicians in the workforce. The major industrial shortage is for general line technicians and drive-ability experts. The automotive program can also provide quality training for individuals interested in other related vocations within the automotive industry.

The General Automotive Technician option teaches the theory of operation and provides practical, hands-on experience on 7 of the 8 major systems of the automobile. This option follows course outlines, class hours and industrial competencies as mandated by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation)

In addition to the regular post-secondary program, the department is affiliated with Automotive Youth Educational Systems, (AYES), an organization with a mission to recruit more technicians into the industry.

The AYES program targets juniors and seniors in high school and encourages them to pursue a special two-year AYES certificate in automotive technology. Its structure is based on a cooperative effort between Aims College, the local area high schools, and local dealerships. During the year, the student attends classes on the Greeley campus. Through the summer months the student is hired as an intern with a technician/mentor in a local repair facility. In this program the student must maintain an active membership in Skills USA, the AYES program’s student organization, plus uphold excellent scholastic standings.

Service Program Requirements: The students entering the automotive service degree or certificate programs are required to take college placement tests and meet the standards placed in accordance with these tests. Advisors will determine what additional preparatory needs may be necessary. All students entering automotive service classes for the first time must successfully pass the Introduction to Auto Shop Orientation class. Safe clothing, shoes, and eye protection are mandatory in all automotive shop classes and are the student’s responsibility to provide. Additionally students are required to furnish their own hand tools and text books. Consult advisors for a list of required basic hand tools and required texts. Students must complete all ASE prefix courses and at least 15 credit hours of general education courses. Dexterity testing is required in degree program.

Automotive Service Technology Advisory Committee

Ivan Arvizo, Firestone of Fort Collins

Randal Browning, Town of Windsor

Michelle Cline, CarQuest

Spencer Dunn, Greeley Auto Tech

Lary Long, Boulder Tech.

Roger Peister, Heritage Ford

Roger Ramirez, Weld County Garage

Phil White, Phil’s Pro Auto

Paul Tanner, Student

AYES Advisory Committee

Jay Baird, Ehrlich Toyota

Rizwan Bhanji, Ehrlich Motors

Rick Bilger, Advanced Auto Pros

Monty Hein, Weld County Garage

Steve Palmer, Ehrlich Subaru

Steve Peif, Hi-Tech Auto Body

Doug Phelps, Hyundai of Greeley

Cyndee Pickle, Spradley Barr