Skills USA is a nationwide organization; it is also a club at College of Western Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to enhance their technical and leadership skills. In Skills USA, college students can...
Overview
If the sound of an engine makes your heart race, CWI’s Automotive Technician program is calling you. Technicians will tell you that the best education is one that gives you a wealth of experience. That 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, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Automotive Service Excellence
New Students
In addition to the New Student Orientation, you participate in as part of the college application process, you must attend a program orientation prior to registering for the Automotive Technology courses.
Sign up to receive information about upcoming program orientation dates. Program Orientation Dates
If you have questions about the program, please contact Alex Beal at alexbeal@cwi.edu.
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
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Automotive Technology - Advanced Technical Certificate
2
YEARSATC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Automotive Technology - Intermediate Technical Certificate
1
YEARITC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Maintenance and Light Repair - Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Fall 2022 | Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | April 11 | November 14 | n/a | |
Open Registration Begins | April 18 | November 21 | February 27 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | July 30 | December 17 | May 13 | |
Admission Deadline2 | August 13 | January 7 | May 27 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | August 19 | January 13 | June 2 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | August 19 | January 13 | June 2 | |
Classes Begin3 | August 22 | January 17 | June 5 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based upon their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Some classes begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
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.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
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
The 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

Hands-on training opportunities for Automotive Technology students at College of Western Idaho have been elevated thanks to a donation of two Ford F750 trucks.

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!

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

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.
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
- Professional Truck Driving
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management