Start prepping NOW for your dream job or work-anywhere trade skills!
Get Revved Up with a Fast-Track to Automotive Mechanic Success
Some people were built for speed. Others were made to make and maintain the machines that fuel that deep desire. Maybe you’re a car guy or girl? You find yourself fascinated with engines and cars and trucks? You think a good day is one spent getting your hands grimy and greasy? If this sounds like you, then a career in the automotive and automotive mechanic industry could be just your speed. Take a hands-on, deep dive into the time-honored, track-tested, high-octane world of automotive mechanics over the span of this 2-year pathway. If you want to break into this fast-moving, hard-charging industry and learn what it takes to earn your living working on cars, trucks and other automobiles, this program is sure to get your engine revving.
What You'll Learn
From 9th grade upward, enroll in courses to start preparing for your automotive career. Classes include:
- CTE Concentrator Auto Technology (Year 1)
- CTE Capstone Advanced Auto Technology (Year 2)
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the fast-moving and always-interesting automotive industry. Hands-on, immersive experiences include:
- Interactive engine lab
- Stand-alone operating engine access
- Internship with local businesses
- Professional guest speakers
- Field trips to Petersen Automotive Museum and NHRA Drag Races at Pomona, and to local industry partners and colleges to explore potential career paths
Who You Can Be
Jumpstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The automotive program prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Automotive Technician
- Automotive Engineer
- Computerized engine control specialist
- Automotive electrician
- Diesel Mechanics Technician
- Automobile Manufacturing
- Automobile Sales/Marketing
Industry Average Wages: $62,000 - $114,000
Projected Industry Growth: 2-7%
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Automotive Systems Diagnostics, Service, and Repair pathway prepares students for successful careers in the fast-moving and always-evolving automotive industry. Students (grades 9 and up) learn all the basic systems of an automobile and hit the fast track to earning an Associates Degree in a program that is custom-geared toward entrance into the automotive workforce. The program is based at Ventura High School and consists of two sequenced year-long courses, a concentrator followed by a capstone, which lead directly to Ventura and Oxnard College's Automotive programs.
Students learn and sharpen skills with extensive experience under high-level direction — and several hours working in an engine lab with a stand-alone operating engine. Students also benefit from respected guest speakers within the automotive industry, as well as partnerships with renowned local businesses.
Students emerge from this truly hands-on program with enhanced skills, confidence, and direct, open-road access to a high-wage career or valuable skills to last a lifetime. Each student will have the opportunity to earn their S/P2 Mechanical Safety & Pollution Prevention Certificate.
Once you have gained the skills and knowledge in this pathway, there are many options for your next steps after high school - some you can even begin pursuing before you graduate!
1 Year
Automotive Maintenance Technician Certificate of Achievement - Ventura College
Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Technology - Oxnard College
2 Year
Associate in Science in Automotive Career Education - Ventura College
Associate in Science in Automotive Technology - Oxnard College
4 Year
Bachelor of Science in Automotive Career Education - Ventura College (starting 2025-26!)