Automotive Technology

Midland College is an ASE Education Foundation accredited program, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for successful completion of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) national certification.

Cars and trucks are much more complex than they used to be. They rely on complicated computer systems and electronics for operation. The neighborhood mechanics of the past have been replaced by a new breed of specialists – sharp, highly skilled technicians who are versed in the latest automotive technologies.

Midland College offers high-tech training using state-of-the- art instruction, the latest technology and equipment that prepares technicians to troubleshoot complex issues and make repairs.

Workforce Solutions (WIOA) Eligible

Students choosing this academic pathway may receive funding and other financial assistance and support from Workforce Solutions. See www.facebook.com/PermianBasinWorkforce, call (432) 367-1449 (option 5), or open the flyer for information on the services they provide in partnership with Midland College. The Workforce Solutions office is located on Midland College's main campus, in room 138 of the Technology Center (TC) Building. Note: Students receiving federal and state financial aid are not eligible for WIOA assistance.

Automotive Technology students examining an engine Automotive Technology students workin g on engine parts Automotive Technology students examining an engine
     

Program Details

Click Links Below for Details

Marketable Skills

Pursuing an Automotive Technology degree will provide marketable skills in these areas:

  • Repairing – Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
  • Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
  • Equipment Maintenance – Planning and doing the basic maintenance of equipment
  • Troubleshooting – Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
  • Critical Thinking – Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • Operation and Control – Using equipment or systems
  • Quality Control Analysis – Testing how well a product or service works
  • Equipment Selection – Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job
  • Complex Problem Solving – Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Career Opportunities

Automotive technicians work for: dealerships, retail and wholesale stores selling automotive parts, accessories and supplies, auto repair shops and gas stations, automotive equipment rental and leasing companies, federal, state and local governments and private transportation companies.

Earning an AAS degree in Automotive Technology leads to a variety of career opportunities such as:

  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
  • Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool and Related Repairers
  • Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • Automotive Specialty Technicians
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • Motorcycle Mechanics

Demand

CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, projects job growth for automotive service technicians at 19% through 2024 in Texas. Automotive technicians continue to be in demand in an occupation that provides portable skills that cannot be outsourced overseas.

More than 16% of service technicians are self-employed, more than twice the proportion for all installation, maintenance and repair occupations. There is usually steady work, even though downturns in the economy.

Did you know?

Texas employs the second-most automotive service technicians and mechanics in the nation.

  • Annual median wage in Texas: $39,000
  • Hourly median wage in Texas: $18.85
  • Auto Body repair jobs increase by 2022: 18%

SOURCE:  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine

(wages will vary by location, employer, and experience)

Apply for General Scholarships through the Financial Aid Portal

FAFSA Requirement

The student's FAFSA application must be on file with MC Financial Aid to access the Financial Aid Portal and apply for scholarships.

If the student's FAFSA application is not on file with MC Financial Aid, the student needs to complete the FAFSA application, and once processed, will have access to complete the general scholarship application.

FAFSA Information


How to Apply

  1. Complete current year FAFSA or TASFA applications
  2. Register for 6+ credit hours towards a degree or certification
  3. Minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher each semester

For additional scholarship details and deadlines, visit the General Scholarships page.

General Scholarships

Visit the course catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information.

 

Why Study Automotive Technology at MC?

ASC Education Foundation logo

 

 

Contact

Department Chair

Erick Gutierrez
Department Chair, Associate Professor
Cogdell Learning Center
Cogdell Technical Building, Room
(432) 686-4917
egutierrez@midland.edu

MAP

Faculty

Automotive Technology Faculty Contact Information

Division Office

Applied Technology

Marie Hall Academic Building
Room 176
(432) 685-4676
Building Floor Plan

MAP

 

Apply to MC Now

Thank you for choosing Midland College! If you are here to collect a few credits, take courses to transfer, or here to start a new career, we welcome you.

How to Apply