Start prepping NOW for your dream job or work-anywhere trade skills!
Start Your Engines for a Fast-Track to Automotive Success
Three. Two. One. START YOUR ENGINES! Some people were just built for speed. Others were made to make and maintain the machines that fuel that desire. Are you a car guy or girl? Have you always been fascinated with the inner workings of engines and vehicles? Do you love getting your hands not just dirty, but greasy? If this sounds like you, then a career in the automotive 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 level classes all available. If you want to break into the automotive 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
- 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 Ventura High School and leads directly to VUSD’s Automotive pathway. Students learn and sharpen skills with extensive hands-on experience under high-level direction — and several hours working in an engine lab with a stand-alone operating engine. Students will benefit from respected guest speakers within the automotive industry, as well as partnerships with renowned local businesses like Brake Masters, 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 VUSD’s Automotive pathway. Each student will receive their Industry Standard Safety Certificate. ROP Advanced Mechanics is also articulated with Oxnard College to provide college credits — and includes a 10-week, 80-hour 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
AS Automotive -Oxnard College