Program Overview

Automotive Technology: General Motors Essentials at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The General Motors Essentials Certificate option prepares students for employment as an entry-level automotive technician at a General Motors (GM) dealership. Courses focus on both the mechanical and electrical systems within a vehicle and how to diagnose and repair them. They include fundamentals, braking systems, electrical systems, engine repair, manual drivetrain and axle, engine performance, and suspension and steering. Students will also increase their hands-on skills and experience by working in the field. Graduates are employed as entry-level technicians at GM dealers and have the ability to work as a bumper-to-bumper technician or as a specialized automotive repair technician.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $35,000 to $108,000 with an average salary of $67,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +2.4%
  • Average Salary: $91,000
  • Salary Range: $65,000 - $108,000
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +1.6%
  • Average Salary: $61,000
  • Salary Range: $44,000 - $74,000
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68,000
  • Salary Range: $42,000 - $108,000
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $86,000
  • Salary Range: $78,000 - $101,000
• Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -18%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $61,000
• Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -0.3%
  • Average Salary: $51,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $59,000

Program Map

Automotive Technology: General Motors Essentials

• Certificate of Achievement: 27.0 Units
• Major Course:
  • AUTO 200: General Motors Fundamentals (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 205: General Motors Braking Systems (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 206: General Motors Electrical Systems 1 (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 201: General Motors Engine Repair (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 204: General Motors Suspension and Steering Systems (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 208: General Motors Engine Performance 1 (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 173: Automotive Technology Work Experience Education (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 216: General Motors Electrical Systems 2 (3.0 Units)

Program Pathway

• Fall 2024: 9.0 Units
  • AUTO 200: General Motors Fundamentals (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 205: General Motors Braking Systems (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 206: General Motors Electrical Systems 1 (3.0 Units)
• Spring 2025: 12.0 Units
  • AUTO 201: General Motors Engine Repair (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 204: General Motors Suspension and Steering Systems (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 208: General Motors Engine Performance 1 (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 173: Automotive Technology Work Experience Education (3.0 Units)
• Fall 2025: 6.0 Units
  • AUTO 216: General Motors Electrical Systems 2 (3.0 Units)
  • AUTO 173: Automotive Technology Work Experience Education (3.0 Units)