Are you interested in combining your enthusiasm for the auto industry with technical skills? Do you have an interest in working in an automotive technology center, automotive dealership or independent service center? If so, Sandburg’s certificate program in automotive technology is for you!
You’ll learn the required skills through a combination of lectures and labs with more than 70% of the lab experience including live work. You’re also given an engine/transmission to rebuild and at the completion of the rebuild, the engine/transmission is evaluated on a test machine for complete functionality.
The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from simply mechanical to high technology. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex electronic components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics use these high-tech skills to inspect, maintain and repair vehicles. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.
Careers in automotive tech
Almost half of the automotive service technicians work a standard 40-hour week, but about one-third work more than 40 hours per week. Many of those working more than 40-hour weeks are self-employed technicians. Some shops offer evening and weekend service to meet the needs of their customers. Generally, service technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and lighted repair shops.
There’s expected to be little to no change in employment from now to 2028 for automotive service technicians and mechanics. The need for basic routine maintenance, including oil changes, installation of brake pads and more, is expected to rise due to the number of vehicles on roadways. The future of electric cars continues to advance and may change the demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Potential careers
Course info
Class formats
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.
Sample course schedule
This sample class schedule is subject to change.
View the sample course schedule.
Sample cost estimate
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Financial aid, grants & scholarships
Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator, or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
Admission requirements
This is an open-enrollment program, meaning there isn't any criteria students must meet to be admitted.