Automotive Technologies

We continue to provide a quality education in the automotive technology field. Classes are currently being offered in a hybrid mode combining online and on campus classes in our brand new Automotive Technologies Center. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Director of Automotive Technologies Julia Furry at 505-428-1177 or julia.furry@sfcc.edu

Hear Director Julia Furry and Lead Instructor Allen Mirabal talk about the automotive technologies program with KSWV’s Estevan Gonzales.

About the Program

The automotive industry is currently in need of skilled, trained and certified technicians. These individuals will be required to: identify problems using computerized diagnostic equipment; follow procedures using charts and technical manuals; and perform basic care, maintenance and repair work on traditional mechanical systems. To keep pace with industry changes, future technicians must also become knowledgeable about a growing number of electronic systems as well as electrical and hybrid vehicle technology.

Santa Fe Community College offers a range of classes that will prepare students to work on today’s advanced vehicle systems. This program will provide students with the background and knowledge to earn the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in up to eight competency areas: Automotive Engine Repair, Auto Maintenance and Light Truck Repair, Automatic Transmission Transaxle, Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Brakes, Manual Transmission and Drive Train, Steering and Suspension, Electricity/Electronic Systems and Engine Performance.

Female technicians remain significantly under-represented in the field of auto maintenance and repair. However, what was once an industry that was exclusively represented by men has been undergoing many changes. Servicing vehicles has taken a different approach. Mechanical systems that once required more muscle to fix have become far more reliable. Today, car problems are more likely to be caused by a defective electronic sensor than a bad transmission. Auto service departments increasingly need people with technical training in electronics. The physical barriers that women may have once felt when entering the field have largely disappeared while other skills such communicating effectively and following technical instructions have become more important toward success in this field.

Goals for the Program:

To educate, support and advise automotive students which lead to earning an Associates in Applied Science in Automotive Technologies along with earning the following certificates:

• Automotive Engine Repair / Engine Performance
• Brakes
• Maintenance and Light Repair
• Automatic Transmission transaxle
• Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
• Automotive Steering and Suspension
• Manual Transmission and Drive Train
• Electrical/Electronic Systems

To provide a real-life instructional atmosphere that will aid in their knowledge skills and understanding of an automotive repair business. To develop and maintain business relationships that will assist in the placement of students in employment.

Degrees or Certificates

Links

• How An All-Female Pennsylvania Car Repair Shop Is Defying Gender Stereotypes

Program Contacts

Julia Furry

Director of Automotive Technologies

School of Trades, Advanced Technologies and Sustainability