The Automotive Department has been a part of Fullerton College since 1955. It offers various programs and services to students, faculty and the community.
After being in the La Habra campus for two years, the Automotive Department returned to the Fullerton campus in 2013.
The Automotive Department is designed to prepare students for employment in the automotive service and repair industry. It teaches and trains students to obtain the job skills and requirements for employment.
All of the programs emphasize hands-on learning under the close supervision of its instructors.
The department offers Associate of Science Degree in Automotive Technology that teaches students everything from the fundamentals to engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, brakes, suspension, electrical, air conditioning, service writing, tune-up, parts control and power trains. It also offers vocational certificates that helps the students become employed as specialists in a specific area.
“I really like it,” Malcolm Lariz said, an automotive major. “It’s ranked one of the best automotive programs alongside Cypress College,” he added.
David Lopez, a former department coordinator of the Automotive Department, said they accommodate both new and advanced students with work experience in the field.
Just like any other facility, it has a business license and it’s certified by the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair to teach Bar-90 Smog-Check licensing course, and it’s a member of AERA Engine Builders Association. They also are part of the California Automotive Teachers association(CAT).
In October 2016, the FC Automotive Department is hosting the second CAT conference of the year. Instructors all over the state will come together for a teacher’s conference. They will have automotive vendors and out-of-state instructors that will give presentations.
Their facility is fully equipped and is constantly updated to keep up with the industry’s demand.
The department recently purchased a new 2015 Ford Mustang, a 2014 Nissan Leaf and a 2011 Prius. The cars in the shop are either donated or bought with the approval of the district.
Their classrooms are built with double doors for lifting and transporting big machinery that are also designed to be handicap accessible.
Their auto shop is a full-working garage. It’s designed with instructional equipment and various automotive lifting machinery. The machine they use to clean engines and car parts is environmentally friendly. They also use biodegradable cleaning products and recycle the water used in the cleaner.
The automotive department offers various car services to Fullerton College students, faculty and the public. They do not however do body work.
“We are not competing with the industry,” Lopez said. It’s for educational and instructional purposes.
“If you have a vehicle that needs some repair and want to donate your time and vehicle for the students to practice, then this is for you” said David Diaz, the shop coordinator.
For any car service inquiry, you can visit the auto shop located in the 900 building or email Diaz at [email protected].
