Automotive Technology

High Quality, Hands-On Training for a Successful Career with Automobiles

CWI students in an auto technology lab and one is looking at the camera

Program Overview

Dreaming of a career in the automotive service industry? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a comprehensive Automotive Technology program that includes Basic Technical Certificate (BTC), Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC), and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree option. In partnership with industry leaders like Ford Motor Company and Subaru, this program provides specialized training and certifications to equip you for the evolving automotive sector.

With a focus on hands-on experience, you will learn to perform maintenance, light repairs, and parts installation on automobiles and light trucks. The program combines practical skills with advanced technical theory, preparing you for a high level of technical expertise. Whether you choose the BTC, ATC, or pursue the AAS degree, you will have the opportunity to tailor your education to meet your career aspirations in the automotive service industry. The AAS degree, in particular, offers a more comprehensive educational experience, enhancing your qualifications and opening up broader career opportunities.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Advanced Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Program Exploration

Program Exploration – April 1

Learn more about the Automotive Technology program, meet the instructors, and get your questions answered!

RSVP TODAY

Hands working on an engine

Learning Opportunities

  • Industry Partnerships: Acquire valuable skills through partnerships with Ford Motor Company, Subaru, and other industry leaders.
  • Hands-on Training: Learn by doing with extensive lab work and practicum settings in local dealerships and garages.
  • Certifications & Skills: Earn OEM certifications and develop advanced skills in automotive technology.
  • Versatile Career Options: Prepare for various roles in the automotive service industry, including dealership and independent service technician positions.
  • Progression to AAS Degree: Have the option to continue your education and earn an AAS degree for further career advancement.

Industry Partnerships

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Automotive Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Automotive Technology – Advanced Technical Certificate

Maintenance and Light Repair – Basic Technical Certificate

A man working on an engine

Career Opportunities

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).

    81

    Annual Openings*

    $18.17

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,794

    Annual Median Salary

    21.3%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $29.03

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,382

    Annual Median Salary

    17.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Automotive Body and Related Repairers

    Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames. Excludes “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers” (49-3022) and “Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders” (51-9124).

    11

    Annual Openings*

    $22.37

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,530

    Annual Median Salary

    18.41%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Transportation Inspectors

    Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $48.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,984

    Annual Median Salary

    6.36%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

    Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

    1

    Annual Openings*

    $35.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $73,112

    Annual Median Salary

    -17.13%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

    Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment. Excludes “Avionics Technicians” (49-2091) and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $33.93

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $70,574

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

    Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $22.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,070

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"I have learned so many useful and impactful things that I can use to help myself and others for a lifetime. Because of CWI, I am bettering myself and able to do things I never thought I would be able to by myself." Read more > about Building His Future Through CWI
Ryan Hael
Student, Automotive Technology

Admissions

STEP 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Automotive Technology as your major. 

STEP 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

STEP 3

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    SkillsUSA

    College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.

    News

    Three new Teslas have been acquired by CWI and will be used by students in the Automotive Technology and Collision Repair programs.

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    Students and Instructors from Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology Programs shifted into high gear as they toured the Tesla Service Center in Boise.

    Read more about Automotive and Collision Repair Take a Spin Into the Future at Tesla Service Center

    Through the support of those around him and a scholarship, Ryan Hael is on his way to success as he completes CWI's Automotive Technology program.

    Read more about Building His Future Through CWI

    Commercial Tire is empowering its employees and setting them up for success thanks to a partnership with College of Western Idaho!

    Read more about CWI, Commercial Tire Partnership Producing Skilled Employees

    Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!

    Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events

    Congratulations to Automotive Technology program Shop Assistant, Dean Taylor, named CWI’s Staff of the Month for October 2021.

    Read more about Taylor Named October Staff of the Month

    The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

    Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to Students

    Thank you to all who attended CWI Night Feb. 28. Group ticket sales raised $925 for the SCORE Big Scholarship fund!

    Read more about CWI Night at the Steelheads Sets a Record

    Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.

    Read more about Education Sparks Future

    CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

    Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

    The expanded training opportunities will accommodate an additional 90 students in five professional-technical programs.

    Read more about CWI Adds Classes to Meet Workforce Demand
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