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THE FUTURE OF AUTO TECH
JOB AND SALARY
INFORMATION
Auto Technician
Description
Our program provides the knowledge and skills needed to become a highly sought after entry level technician. You will learn how to diagnose service and repair an automobile with pride and confidence. The Automotive Technology degree or certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the automotive industry. These programs prepare students for jobs in engine testing, automotive mechanics, and other areas in the automotive service and repair industry. You’ll learn when and how to both replace and repair broken parts. If you want to be part of a fast-growing industry and are passionate about cars, consider a career as an Automotive Technician.
*varies by location
POTENTIAL JOBS
Lube Technician
Service Technician
Electric Vehicle Technician
Master Technician
Shop Foreman
Service Advisor
General Manager
MEDIAN SALARY
$47,961 to $56,119Auto Body & Collision
Description
The Auto Body & Collision degree or certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the automotive industry. Students will learn to repair structural and cosmetic damage on cars and trucks. If a car is involved in an accident, an auto body and collision technician can fix the damage and bring the car back to its original condition. These repairs can include work on faded paint, scratches, and dented parts. Technicians in this field are responsible for both making cars look nice and making sure they meet the safety standards of the manufacturer.
*varies by location
POTENTIAL JOBS
Auto Body and Paint Technician
Automotive Body Repairer/Painter
Paint Specialist
Shop Manager
Shop Owner
MEDIAN SALARY
$59,952 to $60,197Diesel Mechanic
Description
The Diesel Mechanic degree or certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the automotive industry. Students in this program will learn to use diagnostic tools and computers to diagnose and repair problems. Students will also learn to work on many types of diesel engines and perform general maintenance on diesel vehicles. If you enjoy keeping up to date with the latest technology and solving problems, consider a career as a Diesel Mechanic.
*varies by location
POTENTIAL JOBS
Bus and Truck Mechanic
Diesel Equipment Service Technician
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Mobile Heavy Equipment Technician
Shop Manager
Facility Owner
MEDIAN SALARY
$60,754 to $68,661Advanced Technologies
Description
The Advanced Technologies degree or certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the advanced automotive industry. Most modern cars are controlled by sophisticated computers and electronic networks. Students will learn how to diagnose, maintain, and repair automobiles that are electric, hybrid, and/or run on alternative fuels. Do you have a passion for cars and feel excited about the future of alternative fuel sources? Consider a career in Advanced Technologies.
*varies by location
POTENTIAL JOBS
Electric Vehicle Technician
Apprentice Electrical Technician
Electric Vehicle Engineer
Electric Vehicle Specialist
AVERAGE SALARY
$50,230
Student Succcess Stories
A Top Graduate
Jeff Lemler, 38
Jeff Lemler, 33, graduate of Auto Tech program at Los Medanos College
After 12 years of working in restaurants, while carrying a tray of drinks one day, he realized “I like cars”
Decided to return to school, found LMC and a mentor in the college’s auto program, graduated near the top of his class
He is a Master Technician at Lexus of Concord
Student Succcess Stories
Role Model
Marlene Rodriguez, 30
Started working, at age 8 — in restaurants. Went to Los Medanos College; stopped classes during Great Recession but returned
First female Service Technician for Audi Concord; they now have 3 female technicians
Next Steps: Back to LMC and then Mechanical Engineering.
Employer Testimonial
Patrick Cadam
Pat’s Garage
"As a long-time trusted advisor to community colleges, I continue to be impressed with their dedication to creating programs that train the next generation of auto workers with the skills that employers, like me, need. I’ve hired three full-time employees trained by the colleges and continue to rely on them to elevate our industry by developing a highly motivated workforce."
Employer Testimonial
Scott Hoff
Service Manager for Lexus of Concord, CA
“My experience with community college students, and we’ve hired 9 of them, is that the colleges do a really good job of preparing the students. They have spent time actually working on vehicles, not just a classroom emphasis.”
“Community colleges are really engaged and stay in touch with local businesses. They maintain these good relationships to help prepare the students before they graduate. That helps them get well trained and have the skills to get started off right when they get hired.”
Employer Testimonial
Jason Lakey
Manager, Del Grande Dealer Group
“As employers in the auto industry, we believe it’s critical to help mentor and guide the next generation of auto technicians so they are ready with the technical skills to grow into long-term careers. We’ve hired California community college students for our 12 stores because the instructors teach to industry standards that are important for students to learn.”
Employer Testimonial
Tony Sciarra
Manager, START Recruiting Program
The future is already here and as the months, not years, go by, more and more advancements in the transportation industry arise. Tesla, more than ever, needs technicians who are looking to challenge the status quo, understand and accept the everchanging landscape of the industry and are excited to be a part of this movement. Without the Community Colleges providing a well-trained pipeline of their grads, the growing need of technicians will be beyond reach. Programs like Autonomous Driver Assisted Systems, IoT and remote diagnostics, prepare students to easily have the solutions for the present and future problems that automobiles will encounter. Our partnerships with community colleges are integral to the future growth of our workforce population!
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