Northeastern's Automotive Technology program prepares students for rewarding professional careers in the automotive and light-duty diesel repair industry. Students experience a hands-on learning environment in a modern shop environment.
The Northeastern Junior College's Automotive Technology Program is constantly adapting to keep up with the rapidly evolving environment of the automotive industry. Students in the program not only learn the theoretical aspects of the automotive field, but also gain a solid understanding of the latest advancements in the field. As the industry moves towards self-driving and electric cars, the program ensures that its graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen career path. With the Automotive Technology Program at Northeastern Junior College, students can be confident that they will receive top-notch education that prepares them for the future of the exciting automobile industry.
Students perform automotive diagnostics and repair cars and light-duty trucks to master advanced automotive technologies that conform to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Alliance standards. Students perform repair and maintenance on the full spectrum of vehicle systems including a deep dive into electrical, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, braking systems, ignition systems, drive trains and axles, fuel systems, transmissions, gas and diesel engine performance, engine repair and machining.
Future auto mechanics are exposed to a large variety of makes and models of today's vehicles including small foreign vehicles to large diesel pickups. Students will also receive hands on training on hybrid model and electric vehicles. We expect that by the end of the program, a student to be able to work on any make and model that they may encounter in their new career.
The Automotive Technology shop environment introduces students to modern diagnostic tools used in repair facilities and service centers. The facility stocks a full line of specialty tools and equipment for students to use on real vehicles while in the program. The 9,200 square foot shop features eleven lifts and a dyno bay for testing drivability. Calibration and alignment equipment is available for today's vehicles.
The Automotive Technology program first year students will be provided a basic set of tools to use to perform various lab assignments. Second year students are required to have their own tools so that upon completion of the program they will be equipped entering the workforce as an Auto Mechanic. Several tool company sales representatives visit our facility and offer special discounts to students.
In 1967 when the auto technology program was started at Northeastern Junior College it was enough for a student to have a love of cars, a passion for engines and the ability to turn a wrench. Most automotive repair involved taking things out and putting things back in. Times have certainly changed. Today’s automotive technicians have to be computer savvy, be good at math and know electronics pretty well plus understand aerodynamics and they have to know how to turn a wrench, but with far greater precision.
Being recognized by the ASE Education Foundation for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a huge stamp of approval on any automotive training program. Accreditation of an automotive training program brings with it program credibility, prestige, recognition, and overall program improvement. The accreditation process benefits everyone: schools, students, future employers, and the automotive service industry.
At Northeastern Junior College, students interested in pursuing a career in Diesel Technology have a range of options available to them. Whether you're looking to earn a college degree or a certificate, the college has you covered. The Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology is a comprehensive program that includes hands-on training and classes in topics like engine performance, electrical systems, and diesel fuel systems. For those who want to specific auto technician training, the college offers eleven certificates in subjects like maintenance and inspection and drivability and emissions. Program completion prepares students to pursue ASE certification.
Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue Diesel and Automotive master technician certificate in addition to the automotive technician diploma to have a broader foundation for their future.
Graduates find careers in a large variety of repair facilities across the United States. Graduating students are recruited by employers from across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas. These companies offer competitive wages, benefits, and incentives.
Junior and senior high school students can complete the Maintenance & Inspection Certificate in one semester by passing three automotive courses that are offered in the fall and spring semesters. See "Articulations" below for more information.
Take the first steps to your new career working on modern vehicles by scheduling a campus tour, visiting with the faculty or complete your application, there is no cost to apply!
Prospective students must first complete the admissions application with Northeastern Junior College.
Students are accepted on a first-come basis until all available spots are filled. If the program is full, a student can request to be placed on a waiting list for the following year after completion of the automotive program application.
Please contact Instructors Layton Peterman or Jason Rohm if you have any questions or would like more information.
The Automotive Technology shop is a 9,200 square foot facility with eleven lifts
The Dyno bay is used to test drivability issues inside the shop.
The Engine Machine shop give students the ability to perform all aspects of engine repair minus crank grinding.
The Tool room has specialty tools for any make or model that may be worked on during the auto program.
NJC Automotive students have access to Mitchel1's ProDemand and Identifix online service information on their electronic devices. Students have access to complete OEM repair and diagnostic information such as color wiring diagrams and mobile friendly information for any vehicle.
The auto tech program has two classrooms with state of the art instructional technology available to students in the program.
Students experience an actual shop environment. You will be expected to work safely with vehicles, repair equipment, and hoists. You will need to be able to stand for extended periods of time, maneuver in tight spots, and manipulate tools in various settings.
You are not required to have previous experience with vehicle repair. We expect you to bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
Customer service is a major aspect of being in the automotive service industry. Students are taught and expected to work in a professional manner with customers, other students and their instructors. The program encourages working in jobs at the college and in the community.
Vehicle repairs: Northeastern students get real-world experience in their studies by working on troubled vehicles. Anyone interested in having repairs done can make a request of the program by submitting a completed Request for Repairs form.
Automotive:
Automotive service technicians and mechanics keep records of diagnostic tests and repairs. Service technicians stand for most of the day, and they typically work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 749,900 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of automotive service technicians and mechanics were as follows:
Work Schedules: Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
Injuries and Illnesses: Automotive service technicians and mechanics have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Service technicians must frequently work with heavy parts and tools. As a result, workplace injuries, such as small cuts, sprains, and bruises are common.
Auto Tech Club – Students in the auto club perform activities such as:
In your first year, we provide all tools needed to perform shop assignments. You will be responsible for keeping track of these tools during the course of the year.
Second year students are required to supply their own tools so they are ready to start their career after completing the program. These tools must be available the 1st day of class, fall (3rd) semester.
There will be vendors (Snap-On, S/K, NAPA, MAC) presenting their tools at substantial discounts to the students of the Auto Tech program. The tool’s listed below may be purchased from these vendors or the student is welcomed to purchase these on their own. The tools purchased must be a life-time warranty quality tool.
Many times this list of tools may be purchased in a complete starter set or set’s offered by manufacturers with large discounts offered also.
The following list was chosen as a guide only from the Snap-On tool website
Storage Unit
Locking Roll Cabinet, storage unit
Minimum-3000 square inches storage space
Minimum-10,000 cubic inches storage space
1/4” Drive socket set
Set, Socket, Deep, 6-Point (10 pcs.) (3/16" to 9/16") Stock #: 110STMY
Set, Socket, Metric, Deep, 6-Point (12 pcs.) (5 to 15 mm) Stock #: 112STMMY
Set, Socket, Shallow, 12-Point (10 pcs.) (3/16" to 9/16") Stock #: 110TMDY
Set, Socket, Metric, Shallow, 12-Point (11 pcs.) (5 to 14 mm) Stock #: 111TMMDY
Set, Extension, Knurled (6 pcs.) (1 1/4" to 11") Stock #: 106BTMX
Driver, Standard Shank, 1/4" female square drive in handle, 6" Stock #: TM4CSA
Speeder, 16" long (Optional) Stock #: TMS4E
Universal Joint, Friction Ball, 1 1/8" Stock #: TMU8B
Adaptor, 1/4" Internal drive x 3/8" External drive, 15/16" Stock #: TA3
Ratchet, Sealed Head (High Strength), Standard Handle, 4 7/16" Stock #: T72
Set, Socket Driver, Hex, Standard, 1/16" to 1/4" (10 pcs.) (Optional) Stock #: 110ETMAY
Set, Socket Driver, Metric, Hex, Standard, 2 to 6 mm (6 pcs.) (Optional) Stock #: 106ETMAMY
3/8” Drive socket set
Breaker Bar, 9 9/16" Stock #: F10LC
Ratchet, Sealed Head, Dual 80 Technology, Standard Handle, 3/8" drive, 7 11/32" Stock #: F80
Ratchet, Sealed Head, Dual 80 Technology, Long, Flex-Head, 3/8" drive Stock #: FLF80
Speeder, 17 27/32" Stock #: F4LB
Universal Joint, Friction Ball, 1 11/16" Stock #: FU80B
Adaptor, 3/8" Internal drive x 1/2" External drive, 1 5/16" Stock #: A2A
Adaptor, 3/8" Internal drive x 1/4" External drive, 1 1/4" Stock #: GFAT1E
Set, Extension, Friction Ball (6 pcs.) (1 1/2" to 11") Stock #: 206AFX
Set, Socket, Deep, 6-Point (11 pcs.) (1/4" to 7/8") Stock #: 211SFSY
Set, Socket, Metric, Deep, 6-Point (12 pcs.) (8 to 19 mm) Stock #: 212SFSMY
Set, Socket, Shallow, 12-Point (11 pcs.) (1/4" to 7/8") Stock #: 211FY
Set, Socket, Metric, Shallow, 12-Point (12 pcs.) (8 to 19 mm) Stock #: 212FMY
Socket, Spark Plug, Shallow, 13/16", 6-Point Stock #: S9704KA
Socket, Spark Plug, Shallow, 5/8", 6-Point Stock #: S9706K
Set, Socket, Universal, Shallow, 12-Point (6 pcs.) (7/16" to 3/4") Stock #: 206FUA
Set, Socket, Metric, Universal, Shallow, 12-Point (9 pcs.) (10 to 19 mm) Stock #: 209FUMY
Set, Socket Driver, Torx Plus, Tamper Resistant, 1/4"-3/8" Drive, 8IPR to 55IPR (11 pcs.) (Optional) Stock #: 211EFTXRTPY
Set, Socket Driver, Hex, Standard, 5/16" to 3/4" (7 pcs.) (Optional) Stock #: 307ESAY
Set, Socket Driver, Metric, Hex, Standard, 6 to 19 mm (7 pcs.) (Optional) Stock #: 307ESAMY
1/2” Drive socket set
Breaker Bar, 24" Stock #: SN24C
Ratchet, Dual 80, Standard Handle, 1/2" drive, 10 5/16" Stock #: S80A
Speeder, 18 7/8" Stock #: S4
Adaptor, 1/2" Internal drive x 3/4" External drive, 1 7/8" Stock #: GLA12B
Adaptor, Industrial Finish, 1/2" Internal drive x 3/8" External drive, 1 1/2" Stock #: GSAF1E
Universal Joint, Friction Ball, 2 11/16" Stock #: S8
Set, Extension (5 pcs.) (2" to 11" lengths) Stock #: 305ASX
Set, Socket, Shallow, 12-Point (13 pcs.) (3/8" to 1 1/8") Stock #: 313SWYA
Set, Socket, Metric, Shallow, 12-Point (13 pcs.) (12 to 24 mm) Stock #: 313SWMYA
Set, Socket, Deep, 12-Point (13 pcs.) (3/8" to 1 1/8") Stock #: 313SYA
Set, Socket, Metric, Deep, 12-Point (13 pcs.) (12 to 24 mm) Stock #: 313SMYA
Wrench Sets
Set, Wrench, Combination, 12-Point (14 pcs.) (3/8" to 1 1/4") Stock #: OEX714K
Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 1/4", 12-Point Stock #: OEX8B
Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 5/16", 12-Point Stock #: GOEX10B
Set, Wrench, Metric, Combination, 12-Point (13 pcs. in tray) (10 to 22 mm) Stock #: OEXM713B
Wrench, Metric, Combination, Standard Length, 8 mm, 12-Point Stock #: OEXM80B
Wrench, Metric, Combination, Standard Length, 7mm, 6-Point Stock #: OSHM70B
Set, Wrench, Flare Nut Double End, 6-Point (5 pcs.) (1/4"-5/16" to 3/4"-13/16") Stock #: RXFS605B
Set, Wrench, Metric, Flare Nut Double End, 6-Point (6 pcs.) (9 to 21 mm) Stock #: RXFMS606B
Set, Wrench, Hex, L-Shape, Natural Finish, 13 pcs. Stock #: AWS13
Set, Wrench, Metric, Hex, L-Shape, Gold Finish, 9 pcs. Stock #: AWMG9
Set, Wrench, Adjustable, Snap-on (6" to 12’) (4 pcs.) Stock #: AD704A
Set, Wrench, Torx, Tamperproof, L-Shape, Natural Finish, 8 pcs. Stock #: AWTR8
Screwdriver sets
Set, Screwdriver, Combination, Instinct Hard Handle, Red, 8 pcs. Stock #: SHDX80R
Set, Nut Driver, Ergonomic Handle (7 pcs.) (1/4" to 1/2" in plastic tray) (Optional) Stock #: NDD1070A
Set, Nut Driver, Metric, Ergonomic Handle (7 pcs.) (6 mm to 12 mm in plastic tray) (Optional) Stock #: NDDM1070
Carbon Scraper, Rigid, Red, 1" Blade Width, 12 7/8" Stock #: CSA12CR
Set, Miniature Pick, Instinct Soft Grip, Red, 4 pcs. Stock #: SGASA204A
Pliers
Set, Cutters/Pliers, 4 pcs. Stock #: PL400B
Set, Locking Pliers, Standard Grip, 4 pcs. Stock #: BLP404
Pliers, Retaining Ring, Fixed Tip, Convertible, 18°/.038" tips Stock #: PRH12
Pliers, Retaining Ring, Fixed Tip, Convertible, 18°/.047" tips Stock #: PRH32
Pliers, Snap Ring (3/32" wide straight tip, 1/16" thick end) Stock #: SRP3A
Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper/Bolt Cutter, (AWG 10 to 22), 8 1/4" Stock #: PWCS8
Hammers
Hammer, Ball Peen, 8 oz. Stock #: BPN8B
Hammer, Ball Peen, 16 oz. Stock #: BPN16B
Hammer, Ball Peen, 32 oz. Stock #: BPN32B
Hammer, Dead Blow, Slimline, 30 oz. Stock #: HBSE30
Pry bars: 1 set of your choice required
Set, Striking Prybars, Red, 4 pcs. Stock #: SPBS704R
Set, Prybar, 4 pcs. Stock #: PBS704
Punch & Chisels
Set, Punch and Chisel, 11 pcs. (Center/Pin/Starter/Flat) Stock #: PPC710BK
Punch, Drift, Bronze, 13/16" point, 12" Stock #: PPB1226A
Measuring & Misc:
Gauge, Feeler, U.S./Metric, 25 blades (.0015" thru .025") Stock #: FB325A
Gauge, Gap for Electronic Ignition Systems Stock #: FB360C
Rule, Steel, 6" Stock #: RULER600
Tape Rule, Inches/Stud Markings, 12 ft. Stock #: TPMA12
Caliper, Dial Type, U.S./Metric, 0 - 6" Stock #: PMF147A
Mirror, Rectangular, 15 1/4" extension (Mirror: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2") Stock #: GA294
Pick Up Tool, Magnetic, Telescopic Stock #: PHT5
Hacksaw, Professional Stock #: HSG325
Blow Gun, Bent Tube, 4" Stock #: AT4101
Flashlight, Spot, LED, Compact Stock #: ECF925BX
Wrench, Oil Filter, Band w/handles (2 7/8" to 3 1/4" filter diameter) Stock #: GA333C
Wrench, Oil Filter, Band w/handles (3 1/2" to 3 7/8" filter diameter) Stock #: GA340A
Electrical
Tester, Circuit, for 6 and 12V Systems, Red Stock #: EECT300HR
Set, Coiled Jump Leads, 4 pcs. Stock #: MTTL311
Multimeter, Digital, Automotive, Auto Ranging, True RMS Stock #: EEDM525D
Torque Wrenches
Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Flex-Ratchet, 5-75 ft. lb., 3/8" drive (Optional) Stock #: QD2FR75
Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed-Ratchet, 50-250 ft. lb., 1/2" drive Stock #: QD3R250
The following tools will increase productivity when first employed.
Ratchet, Air, Super Duty, 3/8" Drive (5-70 ft. lb.) Stock #: FAR7200
Impact Wrench, Heavy Duty, Composite Rear Housing, 1/2" drive Stock #: ATC500
Set, Socket, Impact, Deep, 6-Point (13 pcs.) (1/2" to 1 1/4") Stock #: 313SIMA
Set, Socket, Metric, Impact, Deep, 6-Point (15 pcs.) (10 to 24 mm) Stock #: 315SIMMYA
Set, Metric, Impact Swivel Socket, Shallow, 6 pt., 7 pcs. Stock #: 307IPLMY
Set, Air Hammer, Super Duty Stock #: PH3050BCH4
Drill, Air, Reversible, 3/8" capacity Stock #: AT3000
Drill, Air, Reversible, 1/2" capacity Stock #: AT5000
Drill Kit, Cordless, 14.4 volt, 1/2" capacity Stock #: CDR4450
General Service Set, Brakes, 5 pcs. Stock #: BTK5
Set, Puller, Bolt Grip, 1 1/4" to 3 13/16" (includes storage case) Stock #: CJ2001P
Set, Pliers, Needle Nose, 3 pcs. Stock #: PL6711A
Set, Socket, Deep, 6-Point (13 pcs.) (3/8" to 1 1/8") Stock #: 313TSYA
Set, Socket, Metric, Deep, 12-Point (13 pcs.) (12 to 24 mm) Stock #: 313SMYA
Creeper, Standard, Adjustable, Red Stock #: JCW65AR
There are many more tools that will assist with your work, but can be purchased as you find they would be useful.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.
Despite limited employment growth, about 73,300 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Automotive Technician, Automotive Electronics Technician, Auto Service Technician, Automotive Mechanic, Engine Technician, Service Technician
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $46,880 in May 2021.
ATC Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Junior and senior high school students can complete the Maintenance & Inspection Certificate in one semester by passing three automotive courses that are offered in the fall and spring semesters. Students can start in the fall or spring semester.
The training gives students basic vehicle maintenance skills to allow them to work in their hometown while still in high school. Students will also learn how to take care of their own vehicles even if they don't plan on pursuing advanced training or employment.
Interested students should talk to their high school counselor to include it in their ICAP and make sure they have the high school requirements completed so it will fit into their schedules. Students and parents can also contact the NJC Student Success Center to talk with an advisor.
