Automotive Technology: Alternative Fuels Service Technician
Program Overview
Certificate of Achievement
The Alternative Fuels Service Technician Certificate option prepares students for employment as an entry-level alternative fuels service technician. Through courses focusing on both electrical and mechanical areas of the vehicles, students learn how to use specialty equipment and hand tools found in automotive and alternative fuels service and repair facilities. Core topics include electric vehicle operation, diesel engines, alternative fuels engines, and heavy-duty natural gas engines. Design, function, and operation of all these systems is also included in the certificate. Graduates are employed as entry-level technicians, general service technicians, fleet and municipality technicians, or apprentice technicians. Cognitive ability and hand-eye coordination are recommended for those entering the program.
Salary, Growth and Careers
Salary
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $44,000 to $74,000 with an average salary of $61,000.
Growth
Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
Careers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Education Level
Postsecondary nondegree award
+1.6% Job Growth $ 61k Average Salary $ 44k $ 74k
Education levels are meant to represent what is typical for entry into the career, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Map
Pathway: to Certificate
Automotive Technology: Alternative Fuels Service Technician
Certificate of Achievement
17.0 Units
Major Course
General Education Course
Elective Course
Milestone
Offers Microcredential
Fall 2024
1st Term
8.0 UNITS
- MAJ AUTO 160 5.0 Units Introduction to Automotive Electrical
- MAJ AUTO 103 3.0 Units Introduction To High Voltage Vehicles
- MILE Department Information
Spring 2025
2nd Term
8.0 UNITS
- MAJ AUTO 108 4.0 Units Energy and Transportation Systems
- MAJ AUTO 260 4.0 Units Intermediate Automotive Electrical
Fall 2025
3rd Term
1.0 UNITS
- MAJ AUTO 265 1.0 Units Advanced Automotive Electrical
Automotive Technology: Alternative Fuels Service Technician - Certificate of Achievement
17.0 units
Program Outline
Outline:
Content:
The program focuses on both electrical and mechanical aspects of alternative fuel vehicles. Students learn how to use specialized equipment and hand tools for service and repair.
Structure:
The program is structured around a series of core topics, including:
- Electric vehicle operation
- Diesel engines
- Alternative fuels engines
- Heavy-duty natural gas engines
- Design, function, and operation of various systems
Course Schedule:
The program is delivered over four terms, with specific courses offered in each term:
- Term 1: Introduction to Automotive Electrical (5 units)
- Term 2: Energy and Transportation Systems (4 units)
- Term 3: Introduction to High Voltage Vehicles (3 units), Intermediate Automotive Electrical (4 units)
- Term 4: Advanced Automotive Electrical (1 unit)
Modules:
Term 1:
- Introduction to Automotive Electrical: This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of electricity and its application in automotive systems.
Term 2:
- Intermediate Automotive Electrical: This module builds upon the foundation of electrical systems established in Term 1, delving deeper into more complex automotive electrical systems.
Term 4:
Careers:
Potential career paths:
- Entry-level technicians
- General service technicians
- Fleet and municipality technicians
- Apprentice technicians
Salary range:
- $30,000 to $83,000
- Average salary: $51,000
Job growth:
- Expected to change little nationwide from 2019 to 2029
Other:
- The program also offers a microcredential in Alternative Fuels Service Technician.
- Students who complete the program are recommended to have cognitive ability and hand-eye coordination.
Additional Notes:
- This information is based on the 2023-2024 catalog and may be subject to change.
