Automotive technicians work on an incredible variety of vehicles and subsystems, with new technologies to save fuel, improve performance, and provide increased safety, making cars more complex than ever. Graduates from Clatsop Community College’s Automotive Program are prepared for this growing field through a combination of hands-on, real world experience and classroom learning from certified instructors with decades of experience.

Using state of the art equipment, students learn to diagnose, maintain, and repair all aspects of a modern vehicle.  With a strong focus on automotive electronics and engine performance our students are well prepared to work as entry level technicians in dealerships and independent repair facilities. Our instructors combine automotive knowledge with the “tricks of the trade” that help our graduates work more efficiently and better serve their customers.

Students will be able to take the EPA mandated Mobile HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) test that is required by law for anyone working on mobile air conditioning units. They will also have the opportunity to take the ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Entry Level Technician Certification tests. ASE is the automotive industry standard for testing and certification. Virtually every automotive repair facility requires their technicians to be ASE certified. ASE is also the pre-requisite to the corporate dealership certification process.

Average wages for automotive technicians in our region range from $16 to $26 per hour.