Automotive Service Technology

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

Theory is presented to aspiring technicians in a classroom setting. Students practice skills and diagnostic procedures in a lab setting with vehicles, for nearly two-thirds of our program.

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

Enrollment is open to those who qualify at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters of each academic year. A specific list of tools and box is required by the program. The students can purchase these items within the first quarter of enrollment. This requirement assists the student in the lab and with gaining employment after graduation. Enrolled students can take advantage of discounts offered by industry and local tool vendors. Even with the tool requirement, the program cost is less than other AST programs. See AST faculty for more information. 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 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation (formerly NATEF) and is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Training Program. For program accreditation information, visit http://www.aseeducationfoundation.org.

Program Outcomes

Students who 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.

Your AAS degree in AST is a step toward the Bachelors of Applied Science degree in Business Management (BASM), when applying. The BASM degree will broaden your career opportunities in and beyond the automotive industry. See an AST or BASM advisor for more information.

Careers

The AST Program prepares the graduate for entry-level employment and 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 and government and fleet repair facilities. Students can also qualify for positions in the sales of automobile parts and service equipment.

For more information on 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’s Automotive Service Technology program. If a student satisfactorily completed the YV-TECH AST courses, it is possible to receive college credit for them through articulation. See a YV-TECH or YVC advisor for more information.

Programs

Certificate - Professional/Technical

Steering/Suspension and Brake Systems Certificate

Associate

Automotive Service Technology, AAS

Courses

Automotive Service Technology