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
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
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!
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.