Automotive Technology Program

Automotive Technology

Program Number: 10-602-3

• Two-year Associate Degree program
• Transportation Program Cluster
• Center for Construction, Manufacturing, Apprenticeship and Transportation
• Program offered at the following campuses:
  • Truax, Madison
• For information call: (608) 246-6102 or 1-800-322-6282 ext 6102

About the Program

View the Automotive Technology Webcast

Employment opportunities for automotive technicians include all aspects of automotive sales and service businesses. In the automotive service business, technicians and service writers are needed. With proper background and experience, advancement to shop foreman, service manager and other highly responsible positions is possible. Other employment opportunities include working in manufacturing as an engineering aid or as a sales representative for manufacturers of automotive tools and equipment or operating your own auto repair business. The COMPASS test is recommended prior to program acceptance. View the Automotive Department Website for more information.

Program outcomes state what a graduate needs to be able to do with the essential knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors acquired in a specific MATC program. The program outcomes communicate expectations to students, as well as other academic institutions and potential employers. The identification and assessment of program outcomes support MATC's efforts in documenting student learning and provide a context for the faculty's academic planning.

Facts

• MATC auto programs currently cost under $6,000 for tuition and books for in-state students.
  
• A typical student may work up to 20 hours per week for the first year at a local auto repair facility.
  
• Students may acquire 2,100 hours of relevant paid work experience during the time they are enrolled at MATC.
  
• Many students continue working for the same employer after they graduate.
  
• Students may be eligible for $500 in TOP Grants.
• Students may learn and practice other work-related non-automotive skills that will help them advance in their professions. Examples: reading, writing, speaking, computer skills, applied math and social interaction.

Training and Programs

• MATC provides hands-on training and high tech experience necessary for an exciting, rewarding career in the automotive industry. The program and all instructors are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified.
  
• Students can readily find related part-, full-time and summer work if desired. Scholarships and financial aid are available to qualifying candidates.
  
• Instruction is tailored to meet student's needs and interests in classes of no more than twenty students. Day and evening instruction is available. MATC automotive programs are located conveniently close to your home.
  
• MATC has agreements with UW Stout to apply auto credits toward a four-year degree.

Requirements for Graduation

66 credits with a GPA of 2.0 (C) or above. Average of 2.0 (C) or above for specific occupational courses.

Career Potential

• Service Writer
• Diagnostic Specialist
• Service Manager
• Specialized Technician
• Equipment Sales
• Equipment Service and Training Technician
• Service Director
• Lab Technician
• Shop Owner
• Fleet Manager

Career and Industry Highlights

• A career in the automotive industry is ideal for people who are mechanically inclined, can think on their feet, like working with their hands and are interested in cars.
  
  
• Starting annual salary is approximately $22,000-$30,000 with future advances based on abilities and skills.
  
  
• Job openings far outpace availability of qualified, trained individuals.
  
  
• Selling and servicing automobiles has a huge industry payroll of $32 billion and employs over 1 million people across the U.S. The automotive industry is dynamic and constantly changes to meet the needs of our high tech society.
  

Industry Links:
The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association
Careers information, scholarships, and information about the auto industry.

Automobile Dealers Association
Career information and industry facts.

"I attended MATC to retrain for a career change. I found the instructors to be highly skilled and experienced professionals who do an excellent job of educating their students. The classrooms and labs are clean and well-equipped with up-to-date, equipment and manuals for state-of-the-art learning... Today I am an A.S.E. certified master automotive technician..." -- James Willgrubs

"Thanks to MATC, I now own and run a shop with three auto technicians... I believe MATC gives their students the knowledge and tools to become today's high-end service technicians." -- Thomas Schoenmann

For information call (608) 246-6101.