Automotive: Automotive Service Technology

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(A NATEF Master Certified Program) 
 

Location:

Windsor Campus, Automotive & Technology Center

Administrative Support:

Margaret Carleton, 970.339.6286

Program Director:

Fred Brown, 970.339.6640

Advisors and Faculty:

Larry Baker, larry.baker@aims.edu, 970.339.6674

Mark Brothe, mark.brothe@aims.edu, 970.339.6497

Kara Tripician, kara.tripician@aims.edu, 970.339.6327

Dan Sisson, dan.sisson@aims.edu, 970.339.6623

AYES Coordinator:

Dan Sisson, 970.339.6623

Degrees/Certificates Offered:

Master Automobile Diesel (A.A.S. degree)

Master Automobile Service Technology (A.A.S. degree)

Advanced Brakes (certificate)

Advanced Electrical (certificate)

Automatic Transmission (certificate)

Automotive Service Technician (certificate)

AYES (certificate)

Brakes (certificate)

Diesel Automotive (certificate)

Electrical (certificate)

Engine Mechanical (certificate)

Engine Performance (certificate)

Heating & Air Conditioning (certificate)

Maintenance and Light Repair (certificate)

Manual Transmissions & Drive Trains (certificate)

Steering and Suspension (certificate)

Mission: The mission of the Aims Automotive Programs is to prepare students with the necessary professional and technical skills to succeed in the automotive industry upon completion of the program degree; or, in the case of certificate-seekers or special-interest students, that they have acquired the skill-set they came to obtain.

Program Length: Career and technical certificates, Master Automobile Service Technology Degree is 78 credit hours. The degree can usually be completed within 6 semesters 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. AYES (Automotive Youth Educational System) emphasis is 16 credit hours (3 semesters).

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 all 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 Windsor 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: All students entering the automotive 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 text books. Consult advisors for a list of required texts. Students must complete all ASE subject courses and at least 15 credit hours of general education courses. Dexterity testing is required in degree program.
 

Automotive Service Technology / AYES Advisory Committee 

Ivan Arvizo, Firestone of Greeley

James Cline, Ehrlich VW

Michelle Cline, Graduate

Rob Rager, Weld County Garage-Truck City

Brian Smallwood, Career Development Center

Brent Wells, Autotailer

Phil White, Phil’s Pro Auto

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