In the ever-evolving world of American higher education, one tried and true program has managed to stay on the road.
Southwestern College has the region’s largest automotive technologies program and it shows no sign of running out of gas. It hosts 40 work stations, five classrooms and an official smog training station with a licensed smog referee. Serving more than 200 students, the department aims to help them become certified and employed through its Associate’s degree program and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate. A satellite program is hosted at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado.
“We teach the eight subjects of automotive.” said Jose Ibarra, automotive instructor. “Brakes, suspension, automatic and manual transmission, A/C, high performance and the basic fundamentals of automotive technology.”
Automotive technology is a vocational program with hands-on labs.
“We basically tell them how to do it, we show them how to do it, then we allow them to do it,” said David Preciado, director of the program. “Through practice and repetition (we hope) they will master the skill.”
Brian Muldoon, 45, automotive technician major, is working to get his AA and ASE certifications.
“Everything here is fully designed to get you prepped and ready for ASE certification,” he said. “All shops must be ASE certified to work on vehicles.”
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) signs are posted on every building. Certification assures consumers a credentialed and knowledgeable mechanic.
“I know during their time here with us we do hear about a lot of the students getting certified and becoming employed,” said Preciado.
Students participate in the World Experience Education Program, giving them a chance to work in commercial shops.
“If they don’t get hired they could at least walk away with real world experience,” said Preciado. “They are taught the job hunting process.”
Juan Carlos Solorizano, 39, said he is working to earn an AA in automotive technology and all eight ASE certifications.
“I think this program is beautiful,” said Solorizano. “I come from Mexico and just to look at all the equipment they have here, the knowledge of the instructors and information you have at your finger tips you couldn’t compare it to other places.”
Stephanie Ramirez, 22, an automotive technology major, was working on the front brakes of her Honda Accord with Muldoon. She said she plans to earn an Associate’s degree and ASE certifications.
“The thing that captures me the most is an engine,” she said. “I don’t like the lectures too much. They bore me to death, but I like being out here with hands-on training. I learn a lot better.”
Ramriez said she grew up playing with her brother’s toy cars. Today she is the only woman in the class.
“At first it was kind of horrifying when I walked into the first day of class,” she said. “All I saw were guys, no girls at all. But then again, I was raised with guys, my dad, brother and uncles, I’ve grown up basically with a bunch of guys.”
Ramirez figures she will fit right in. After all, if women can drive race cars they ought to be able to build and fix them.