Choose this program to prepare for a rewarding career as an automotive service technician or mechanic. Occupational choices are extensive in this specialized field; you could work as an automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical specialist.

If you’re looking for a program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills you’ll use with employers such as automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses, then check out Automotive at BTC.

The entry point for the Automotive Technology program is fall quarter. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to enroll in this associate degree and certificate program.

To learn more about Bellingham Technical College programs you’re interested in, join us for a Virtual Program Info Session. Prior sign up is required. If you do not see an Info Session for the program you’re interested in, email outreach@btc.edu for more information.

78% BTC graduate placement rate

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

Prior to registering for program classes, students are required to submit the following documentation to the Admissions Office:

1. Copy of your valid Driver's License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);

2. Current complete 3-year driving record from Washington State DOL. This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;

3. Signed Industry Expectations form indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards.

Important Program Notes:

1. You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;

2. Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;

3. Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order his/her driving records. You may obtain a copy of your current "Abstract of Driving Record" at your local Department of Licensing or by accessing the Washington State Department of Licensing;

4. A renewed copy of your valid driver's license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) will again be required at the start of your second year in the program;

5. All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.

ACCUPLACER Classic (valid for 5 years from testing date):

ACCUPLACER Next-Generation (starting January 23, 2019):

After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the automotive industry.
• Evaluate and use technical information and testing procedures from a variety of sources to diagnose and repair various automotive system failures.
• Perform maintenance and light repair common to the automotive industry.
• Diagnose and repair common electrical and electronic system failures.
• Perform diagnostics and repairs consistent with an entry-level automotive technician.
• Communicate and document work performed using trade specific language.
• Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills as a member of a technical team.

About 78% of BTC Automotive students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in this field is $46,675, with an earning potential of about $60,299 per year.*

BTC’s General Automotive Repair and Vehicle Service Technician certificates prepare graduates to work in entry-level automotive positions like lubrication, tire, and muffler service positions.

Most program graduates work as automotive service technicians. In larger shops, positions have become increasingly specialized. Opportunities for specialty positions include automatic transmission specialist, brake specialist, engine performance specialist, front end specialist and electrical specialist.

Potential places of employment include automotive dealerships, independent service garages, federal and local government repair shops, rental industry, service stations, specialty shops, tire and service industry, and fleet maintenance.