Cars today are models of precision engineering. That's why they need to be maintained by highly skilled technicians well trained in automotive technology at JCCC.

Automotive technicians generally begin their careers in service repair shops, where you'll find continually expanding industrial and service career advancement opportunities. As they work with experienced professionals and the public, automotive technicians need to have good mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity skills.

JCCC offers an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology. The 64-credit-hour program, which is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), concentrates on a theoretical background in diagnosis and tune-up, chassis, electrical/electronic and hydraulic systems, automatic transmissions, engines and emissions. Students work on developing the skills you need to advance to a supervisory position, including customer relations, estimating materials and labor costs, and managing the work of others.

The 34-hour automotive technology certificate program gives you a well-rounded background in the repairs required to work for a dealer or an independent service shop. The 31-credit-hour automotive technology entrepreneurship certificate gives you skills in both automotive technology and small business development and management so you could prepare to open your own automotive service business.

JCCC supports the ASE certification of technicians and encourages students to become ASE certified. The college's automotive courses should help you prepare for the ASE certification tests. Most automotive trades expect applicants to pass one or more of the ASE tests, which will enable them to qualify for technical positions in service repair.

Johnson County Community College also has a partnership with Ford Motor Company. The YAATC program provides you with the practical knowledge and skill competencies to obtain entry-level positions in the automotive service industry. Although the program emphasizes training on Ford products, graduates could find employment in many types of automotive service companies.

Scholarships are available for students enrolled in or enrolling into automotive technology at JCCC. E-mail the Industrial Technology office for an application or for more information or call 913-469-8500, ext. 3126.