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 — with Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced (CAPSTONE) level classes all available. 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 Intro Auto Technology
- CTE Con Auto Technology
- CTE Cap Auto Technology
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
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
- Auto Mechanic
- Automotive Racing
- Automobile Manufacturing
- Automobile Sales/Marketing
Industry Average Wages: $40,000 and up
Projected Industry Growth: 2%
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Auto Mechanics/Automotive CTE track 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 Buena High School and leads directly to VUSD’s Automotive pathway. 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 like Concours Motors Auto Repair, 5 Day Tire Store, Avenue Tire & Wheel, and Magnuson Superchargers. Students emerge from this truly hands-on program with enhanced skills, confidence and direct, open-road access to VUHD’s Automotive/Systems Diagnostics pathway. ROP Advanced Mechanics (CAPSTONE) is also articulated with Oxnard College to provide college credits — and includes a 10-week internship with a local automotive business.
Get a jump start on your college future by earning college credits and valuable real-world skills you can use for college and career.
2 Year
AS Automotive - Ventura College