Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive
Sector Overview
Automotive service technicians who work full time in the Bay Area earn among the highest average hourly rates in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020–21).
The advanced manufacturing and automotive industries have provided stability for the American economy over the last 120 years, and as we move deeper into the 21st century, these two industries are more vital than ever. Qualified manufacturers and automotive specialists are necessary to keep our regional industries successful.
Jobs in these industries require focused people with problem-solving abilities as well as analytical, mechanical, and technical skills. Bringing together these unique skill sets in any of a variety of job roles in the automotive and manufacturing industries adds up to a satisfying career where advanced knowledge is valued and appreciated by both employers and customers.
Automotive service technicians who work full time in the Bay Area earn among the highest average hourly rates in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020-21).
*Credit (C) / Noncredit (NC) / Not-for-Credit (NfC)
| Y2C Program | Online | Location | Credits* | Entry level/Career builder: | Transfer opportunities: | Prerequisite(s): | Industry and Professional Certification: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Smog Technician, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Basics, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Body Systems, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Chassis Technology, Certificate of Achievement | Chabot College | Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Chassis, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Mechanical, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Powertrain, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Service Consulting, Certificate of Achievement | Chabot College | Credit | Both | ||||
| Automotive Smog, Certificate of Completion | Las Positas College | Non Credit | Both | ||||
| Numerical Control Programmer (Machinist), Certificate of Achievement | Chabot College | Credit | Both |
Advanced Smog Technician, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 1 semester |
| Units/hours: | 945 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | bhagopian@laspositascollege.edu |
| Link: | http://laspositascollege.edu/auto/noncredit.php |
Description: This program provides the skills necessary to qualify students as trained entry-level technicians, as well as for career advancement. It focuses on the rules and regulations of the California Smog Program and will prepare students to gain their California Smog licenses. It also teaches diagnosis and repair of smog-controlled vehicles in California. Students do hands-on work side-by-side with industry professionals in a fully equipped and up-to-date facility. Career opportunities include teaching, Automotive Technician, Automotive Parts Personnel, Automotive Management, Shop Owner, and Automotive Performance Personnel.
Estimated starting wage: $40,149-$50,158 (2020).
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Automotive Basics, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 1 semester |
| Units/hours: | 360 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
http://www.laspositascollege.edu/degrees/automotivebasic-certificateofcompletion.php |
Description: This certification provides the skills necessary to prepare students as entry-level technicians. The program focuses on the basics of the automobile as students do hands-on work side-by-side with industry professionals in a fully equipped and up-to-date facility. Career opportunities include Automotive Technician and Automotive Parts Personnel.
Estimated starting wage: $36,982 (2020-21).
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Automotive Body Systems, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 1 semester |
| Units/hours: | 126 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This certificate program offers skills necessary to qualify students for entry-level, non-technician positions. The program focuses on all of the theoretical aspects of the automobile. Career opportunities include Automotive Technician, Service Consultant, and Automotive Parts Personnel.
Estimated starting wage: $40,149-$50,158 (2020).
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Automotive Chassis Technology, Certificate of Achievement
| Location: | Chabot College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 16 units |
| Offered: | Year-round |
| Contact: | Kurt Shadbolt |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: The Automotive Chassis Technology Certificate of Achievement program provides students with the fundamental skills and experiences for entry-level positions in aftermarket stores and dealerships as a technician focused on chassis-related vehicle systems. This program requires hands-on participation and can lead to work as an Automotive Mechanic or Technician. Automotive workers utilize computers as much as hand tools and soft skills in every aspect of their work day. Some of the courses in this program are recommended as preparation for the California State and BAR tests for the Brake Adjusters License and the Smog Check Technician License.
Estimated starting wage: $58,462 (2020).
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Automotive Chassis, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 846 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This program provides the necessary skills for students to qualify as trained entry-level technicians, as well as for career advancement. Students do hands-on work side-by-side with industry professionals in a fully equipped and up-to-date facility. Career opportunities include teaching, Automotive Technician, Automotive Parts Personnel, Automotive Management, Shop Owner, and Automotive Performance Personnel. The program also includes material on the California Brake Adjusters License.
Estimated starting wage: $40,149-$50,158 (2020).
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Automotive Mechanical, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 846 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This certificate provides skills necessary to qualify as an trained entry-level technician, as well as for career advancement. The program focuses on the mechanical side of the automobile to gain employment at aftermarket shops and excel at services for many types of vehicles from multiple manufacturers. Students do hands-on work side-by-side with industry professionals in a fully equipped and up-to-date facility. Career opportunities include teaching and industry roles as Automotive Technician, Automotive Parts Personnel, Automotive Management, Shop Owner, and Automotive Performance Personnel.
Estimated starting wage: $40,149-$50,158 (2020).
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Automotive Powertrain, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 252 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This program provides the necessary skills to qualify students for entry-level, non-technician positions. It focuses on all of the theoretical aspects of the automobile. Career opportunities include roles as Automotive Technician, Service Consultant, and Automotive Parts Personnel.
Estimated starting wage: $40,149-$50,158 (2020).
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Automotive Service Consulting, Certificate of Achievement
| Location: | Chabot College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 12 units |
| Offered: | Year-round |
| Contact: | Kurt Shadbolt |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This program provides students with the fundamental skills and experiences for entry-level positions in aftermarket stores and dealerships as a Service Consultant focused on customer service. It requires hands-on participation and can lead to a job as an Automotive Service Consultant or Automotive Service Advisor. The Service Consultant represents the service facility, acting as a point of communication between the customer and the service department on the way to the Assistant Manager position. Program content is aligned with tasks identified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Estimated starting wage: $49,000 plus incentives (2020).
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Automotive Smog, Certificate of Completion
| Location: | Las Positas College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Automotive Technology (noncredit) |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 387 hours |
| Offered: | Fall, Spring |
| Contact: | Brian Hagopian |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
http://www.laspositascollege.edu/degrees/automotivesmog-certificateofcompletion.php |
Description: This certificate provides skills necessary for students to qualify as trained entry-level technicians, as well as for career advancement. The program focuses on the rules and regulations of the California Smog Program and will prepare students to gain California Smog licenses. Its focus is on the diagnosis and repair of smog-controlled vehicles in California. Students do hands-on work side-by-side with industry professionals in a fully equipped and up-to-date facility. Students may or may not qualify for either EI or EO smog license. Specific Diagnostic and Repair is a Bureau of Automotive Repair-approved alternative to the ASE A6, A8, and L1 certification required for obtaining and maintaining smog technician licenses. This program follows BAR guidelines for smog license prep. Students may or may not qualify for licensing examination.
Estimated starting wage: $39,062 (2020-21).
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Numerical Control Programmer (Machinist), Certificate of Achievement
| Location: | Chabot College |
|---|---|
| Department: | Machine Tool Technology |
| Length of Program: | 2 semesters |
| Units/hours: | 36 units |
| Offered: | Year-round |
| Contact: | Adam Hathaway |
| Email: | |
| Link: |
Description: This program prepares students for employment as entry-level machinists, CNC programmers, and draftspeople with an in-depth education in utilizing industrial technology to create highly precise and complex parts. Students learn essential skills to use manual and computer-controlled mills and lathes, manual and computer-controlled inspection machines, manual and computer-controlled grinders, laser cutters, wire EDM, 3D printers, and numerous software platforms.
Estimated starting wage: $56,852 (2020).