Automotive Service Technology

The Automotive Service Technology, Master (AST) program provides a quality, easily-accessible education, utilizing theory, design, practical application, and live work to prepare students for entry-level employment as dynamic and qualified automotive technicians.

Students are encouraged to reach their highest potential in the development of skills and professional integrity. The ability to think and reason, troubleshoot problems in a sequential order, and cooperate with coworkers is an integral part of the curriculum. Theory is presented to aspiring technicians in a classroom setting. Students practice skills and diagnostic procedures in a lab setting, for nearly two-thirds of our program, on late-model vehicles in all eight ASE automotive areas of certification which include transmissions, engine performance and repair, brakes, steering/suspension, electrical, and heating and air conditioning.

Technological advances in the automotive field require a highly-skilled repair technician. The YVC AST program offers training in all areas of automotive diagnostics and repair with emphasis on electronic and computer-integrated systems found on today’s automobiles. Students will train in a large, modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment, and all instructors are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.

The Automotive Service Technology, Master program requires a minimum of two years to complete. Enrollment is open to those who qualify at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters of each academic year. An associate of applied science degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

The AST program has been evaluated and certified at the highest level of and by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Training Program. For program accreditation information, visit www.NATEF.org

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete their AAS in automotive service technology will be qualified to gain employment as an entry-level technician within the automotive industry. Upon completion of one year as a technician in the field and successfully passing the ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certification Test(s), a student can be professionally certified. For ASE testing and certification information, visit www.ase.com.

Careers

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment, and students will be prepared to take the national ASE certification tests in all eight automobile and light truck certification areas. Career opportunities in the automotive repair industry are better than ever, as there is a shortage of qualified automotive technicians. Competent, highly trained, and motivated automotive service technology students are in demand. Students can qualify for positions as service technicians with new car dealerships, independent repair facilities, franchise operations as well as government and fleet repair facilities. Students can also qualify for positions in the sales of automobile parts and service equipment.

For more information on current employment trends, contact the Washington State Employment Security Department at www.esd.wa.gov. Additional information is available at www.wa.gov.

The YVC Automotive Service Technology program has a collaborative program with YV-TECH. High school students can take one or two years of AST classes during their high school years. An extra year of YVC classes is required to meet the degree requirements to graduate with an associate of applied science degree. See a YV-TECH or YVC advisor for more information.

Programs

Certificate - Professional/Technical

Associate

Automotive Service Technology, AAS