The auto technology program at Long Beach City College now offers accredited courses that can lead to a degree and free classes for the average student with a desire to learn their way around a car.
The auto technology program is now apart of LBCC’s trades as they make their return to the 2019 fall semester.
Other trades such as horticulture, construction technology, and metal fabrication are all making a return this year as part of LBCC’s return of the trades campaign.
LBCC has a comprehensive catalogue of courses ranging from something as simple as an intro to auto technologies to a course on light diesel engines or emissions control.
Each course has a lecture portion where the history, current state and industry’s standard practice of the subject is discussed.
The lab portion allows students to be
Lectures take place in classrooms while the labs are held in a garage. The garage offers more than enough space for several
“We’ve got all the room we need and then some,’ automotive professor Danny Tan said.
Depending on a student’s desired outcome, the program can be completed in as little as a semester and then an associate’s degree can be earned in two years.
Careers in the automotive field vary but most if not all require a certificate from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence or ASE.
Formed in 1972, the ASE’s main goal is to improve the quality of vehicle service and repair by testing and certifying technicians.
The ASE test runs you through information learned in each course and is geared toward helping you pass and becoming an ASE certified technician.
Beyond the accredited courses in the program, there are also courses offered to students of LBCC for free.
These courses will not earn you credit but will teach you the basics of car service and maintenance in an effort to improve automotive literacy.
These courses were offered in the summer and are currently being offered in fall. The latest course of the semester starts in November.
Tire lubrication and brake services will all be taught in the auto literacy program as well as an introductory course titled intro to auto technology, where students learn the basic functions of a car.
The semester has just started and students are already making plans for their future with cars.
Jason Cerda is newly enrolled in the program and joined because of his goal to restore his own vehicle himself with the knowledge he will learn.
“I just can’t wait until she’s back to feeling brand new,” Cerda said.
Gilbert Espinoza is another student excited about the class. Espinoza’s brother, who used to work for the program, lead Danny Tan to one of his three auto repair shops. Espinoza’s brother now owns the shop and encouraged his brother to follow suit.
“I just want a corvette,” Espiznoa expressed.
Both automotive programs take place and are taught at the PCC Campus in the JJ building.