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Automotive Technology
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CWI Automotive Technology
Program Exploration Event
Interested in a career in Automotive Technology? Join us on Oct. 23, 2023 or Dec. 4, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, in room 139 A/B to:
- Learn more about this program, and meet the faculty.
- Meet industry leaders, and hear about career opportunities.
- Understand how education in this career field benefits you.
- Get tips on how to prepare for a successful start.
- Take a tour of the lab space and technology.
Overview
If the sound of an engine makes your heart race, CWI’s Automotive Technician program is calling you. Technicians will tell you the best education gives you a wealth of experience. This is what makes our program so unique. In the first year, you will learn all auto systems, including brakes, fuel injection, electronic controls, automatic transmissions, scanning equipment, and onboard diagnostics, as well as the latest computer systems. Your second year is all about experience. You will learn on the job.
MANUFACTURER AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS:
Ford, MB Campus, Subaru, Automotive Service Excellence
New Students
We are excited you are interested in the Automotive Technology program at CWI. To help you get started in this great program, here are the steps:
- Apply to College of Western Idaho, select the Automotive Technology degree or certificate you want as your major, and complete the steps for admission to CWI.
- Attend an upcoming Automotive Technology Program Exploration event to register for classes. At the event, you will learn about the program and how to prepare for success.
If there is not an upcoming event scheduled, please contact JohnD Thompson at johndthompson@cwi.edu, for your options.
Mission
The Automotive program has teamed up with NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation) (MAST) and the Ford Motor Company. In the first year of the program, a student may become a Ford Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Certified Technician. In the first year, students will learn about maintenance and light repair, electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, brakes, suspension and steering, and the tools and techniques to diagnose and repair the modern vehicle. The second year covers engine performance, automatic transmissions/transaxles, heating and air conditioning, the use of scan tools, lab scopes, and other state- of-the-art diagnostic tools.
Finally, the Internship is where students may have the opportunity to work in an industry repair shop—making their dream a reality.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Maintenance and Light Repair
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Repair
- Manual Drivetrain and Axles
- Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Engine Performance
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- Heating and Air Conditioning
Clubs
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Automotive Technology - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Maintenance and Light Repair - Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Computer Literacy Skills
- Good reading, writing, and math skills
- Willingness to work in a dirty, greasy, and potentially hazardous environment
- Ability to lift heavy objects
- Ability to evaluate and make decisions
- Ability to work accurately
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
If you have questions about any of this information, please contact One Stop Student Services or your Advisor.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Visit Cost & Aid to view tuition and fees, explore types of aid, apply for federal financial aid, and more.
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Career Info
The automotive industry has undergone massive changes in recent years. Computers now control most automotive systems and the aspiring technician is taught to effectively identify, test, and repair these high-tech systems. The influx of technology is what makes an automotive career today more interesting, challenging, and rewarding than ever.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

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.

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

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!

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

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

Thank you to all who attended CWI Night Feb. 28. Group ticket sales raised $925 for the SCORE Big Scholarship fund!
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Software Development
- Surgical First Assistant
- Surgical Technology
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management