WHY UM-HELENA?

The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology provides nationally certified instruction in Automotive Technology.  Since 1989, the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF), a non-profit organization that evaluates technician-training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry, has certified the UM-Helena program.  The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) also certifies all of our automotive instructors.  In addition to nationally recognized certification, UM-Helena’s Automotive program offers small class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention from the instructors. UM-Helena is currently looking forward to a new automotive training facility, targeted for completion by the Spring of 2007.

  

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Students entering the Automotive Technology program gain skills necessary to pass the ASE certification exams. Our curriculum covers the eight areas of NATEF certification:  Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Suspension and Steering, Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Engine Repair, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Manual Drive Train and Axles. Upon completion of this two-year program of study, students will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.

 

WHERE CAN THIS TAKE ME?

The Montana Department of Labor expects over 200 automotive technician job openings each year for the next six years, ensuring a bright outlook for graduates of the UM-Helena Automotive program. There's almost no limit to your options and advancement.  Beginning salaries are comparable to other technical careers, and with experience auto technicians rapidly increase their earning potential.  Other career options for Automotive Technology graduates include service managers, service engineers, automotive parts specialists, service writers, and automotive instructors.

 

HOW CAN I EARN MY DEGREE?

Students in Automotive Technology will take a variety of courses, including:

 

·          Shop Safety

·          Electrical/Electronic Systems I and II

·          Manual Drive Trains and Axles

·          Technical Math

·          Heating and Air Conditioning

·          Engine Repair

·          Engine Performance I and II

·          Microcomputers

·          Brakes

·          Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles

·          Welding Fundamentals

·          Technical Communication

·          Suspension and Steering

·          Career Development and Human Relations

 

To learn more about the Automotive Program’s course requirements and course descriptions click on the catalog link to the left.