Automobile Servicing
You open the hood; you slide under the chassis. You know this isn’t your uncle’s vintage treasure. Vehicles are becoming more and more complex. Small issues can disable them, leaving a driver stranded or, worse, causing an accident.
Automotive technicians help prevent these problems. As a mechanic, you maintain a vehicle’s overall health, ensuring it runs smoothly for its entire life. You troubleshoot problems ranging from broken sensors to faulty gears, and you make hands-on repairs accordingly. All the while, you’re using advanced knowledge of components ranging from computer systems to transmissions.
An In-Demand Career with Good Pay
Thousands of automotive technicians are retiring. As a result, you will find mechanic jobs plentiful, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting more than 73,000 openings each year.
Employers are looking for techs, and they’re willing to pay you well, when you have the right credentials and work skills training. Explore local jobs.
Learning by Doing
As an automobile servicing student, you learn through a hands-on approach.
You spend time in the classroom studying the various components of a car or truck. Then you immediately apply your learning to vehicles in our state-of-the-art lab. This method ensures you’re ready for work right after earning your credential.
As part of our program, you study fundamentals and emerging technologies, including hybrid and electric vehicles. You also learn to diagnose and repair these systems:
- Air conditioning and heating
- Automatic and manual transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical and electronics
- Emissions control
- Engines
- Front suspension and steering
- Negotiated articulation agreements with five area high schools
- Built numerous internship programs
- Engaged local business partners
- Led efforts for the program to become accredited by the ASE Education Foundation
Explore OCC’s Automobile Servicing Lab
Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art OCC automobile servicing lab. Want to see the lab in person? Register for Oakland Community College Auburn Hill campus tour.
Enter the Field: Rewarding Credentials & Certification Opportunities
It’s the perfect time to enter the automobile servicing field, and we’re here to help. Whatever your age or experience, we teach you what you need to know to be a successful mechanic.
Associate Degree
Learn everything you need to know about cars and trucks by earning the automobile servicing associate degree. With it comes better pay and growth opportunities.
If you attend on a full-time basis, you can earn this 61-credit Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in about five semesters:
Certificate
If you’re ready to get to work and want the basic knowledge needed to succeed as an automotive tech, consider our 36-credit certificate. It can be completed in four semesters, even if you attend on a part-time basis:
- Automobile Servicing - Automotive Service Technology (AUS.AST.CT)
- Automobile Servicing - Master Automotive Service Technician (AUS.MAST.CT)
You can also earn the certificate and then complete the associate degree. For more information, speak with Claude Townsend, the automobile servicing program director.
Certifications
As part of your OCC automobile servicing education, you can also earn numerous certifications that increase your marketability and grant you job-ready skills:
- NC3: Earn up to 29 in-demand industry certifications ranging from Automotive Scanner Diagnosis to Wheel Service and Alignment. These certifications are built into your classes, meaning you learn the skills necessary to complete them with every completed assignment.
- Mopar CAP: You can earn electrical core skills and Level 1 (semi-skilled) technician credentials.
A Program Designed for Your Success
Your Support Team Includes Auto Pros
Our program is guided by local employers, who participate in an advisory board. Board members keep our classes aligned with industry changes, and they also welcome our students as apprentices.
They show up in the classes you take, meeting you and seeing your progress. They may even hire you!
The board includes representatives from:
- Corrigan Oil Company
- Ford Motor Company
- LaFontaine Buick GMC
- LaFontaine Cadillac
- Lincoln of Troy
- Meritor
- Mike Savoie Chevrolet
- Mopar
- Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
- Royal Truck & Trailer
- Serra Buick GMC Rochester Hills
- Serra Ford Farmington Hills
- Serra Ford Rochester Hills
- Stellantis
- Suburban Collection
- Szott M-59 Chrysler Dodge RAM
“You Learn Something New Every Day’ at OCC" - Tlek Zholdybekury
Let’s Go!
Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
- On the application select one of the degree or certificate programs ‘Automobile Servicing’.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.
Contact Information
Claude Townsend
Program Director
Phone: (248) 232-4442
Location
Auburn Hills Campus (Driving Directions)
2900 Featherstone Rd
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2845
More to Explore
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