Automotive Technician School in Grand Junction

15 to 19.5 Month* Hands-On Automotive Technician Training Program

IntelliTec College Automotive instructor is teaching a student one-on-one
Train to be an Automotive Technician the right way – hands-on and with lots of direct interaction with industry-experienced instructors

Can you believe more computer technology exists in today’s cars than in the first Apollo spacecraft? That’s why you need hands-on training to work on today’s modern and sophisticated automobiles in a real-world automotive repair facility.

At IntelliTec College, our certified and experienced instructors have a real passion for the automotive industry and strive to prepare you to become a qualified automotive technician. You’ll learn to analyze, troubleshoot and repair vehicles, skills that are needed by specialty and master technicians.

How will IntelliTec College prepare me for my Automotive Technician Career?

Skills students learn in the classroom and in our clean and modern automotive bays include:

  • Identifying automotive systems
  • Properly documenting basic repair orders
  • Diagnosing and repairing batteries, starting & charging systems
  • Troubleshooting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
  • Identifying and diagnosing brakes, suspension and steering
  • Diagnosing and repairing clutch systems
  • Servicing the transmission/trans-axle, drive shafts, half shaft, & four/all-wheel drive
  • Developing shop, tool, material, and fluid safety skills

Next Start Dates

Automotive Technician

*Program length when completed as designed.

If you’re looking for automotive technician training in Grand Junction or asking how to become a mechanic in Colorado, IntelliTec College is here to help. Many people search for “auto tech schools near me” or “mechanic programs in western Colorado” when they’re ready to turn their interest in cars into a career.

Our Grand Junction campus serves students from across the region who want to gain practical skills and explore opportunities in the automotive field. Whether you’re just beginning your search or ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer your questions and help you get started.

Contact Us Get Program Details!

What Does an Automotive Technician Do?

Automotive Technicians perform maintenance (oil changes, fluid level checks, tire rotations, etc.) and repairs (brake pads, wheel bearings, sensors, etc.) on a variety of vehicle types, identify problems using diagnostic tools, test system and parts functionality, and provide solid customer service when explaining automotive issues and repairs.

When Do Automotive Technicians Usually Work?

The majority of automotive technicians are employed on a full-time basis. Some automotive service centers are open late or on weekends so technicians may have to work some evenings and weekends.

Career Opportunities in Automotive Technology

Automotive Technicians may be able to find employment in the following positions:

  • Transmission Technician & Rebuilder
  • Drivability Technician
  • Automotive HVAC Technician
  • Parts Professional or Sales
  • Front-end Technician
  • General Service Technician
  • Brake Technician
  • and more!

Salary Potential for Automotive Technicians

IntelliTec College provides career-training programs for entry-level positions. Salaries vary depending on geographic location, economic conditions, and willingness to relocate. Salaries by occupation and specific location can be found on the O*NET website. National figures for labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can also visit the campus career services department to learn where IntelliTec College graduates work and the beginning salaries in their respective careers.

How Is the Job Outlook?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employers prefer that automotive service technicians and mechanics complete a program at a postsecondary institution. Industry certification, including ASE, is usually required once the person is employed.

Get All the Important Details

Graduates will have the knowledge and skill to function effectively in an entry-level employment position within the automotive service and/or repair industries. Through the utilization of lectures/presentations, hands-on training, and real world automobiles in a simulated automotive repair facility environment, successful graduates will have demonstrated competency in working with brakes, suspension systems, manual and automatic transmissions, engine performance, starting and charging systems, climate control systems, emissions, and running and interpreting diagnostic and troubleshooting routines. Personal and shop safety practices will be emphasized and practiced throughout this training experience. Upon successful completion, the graduate will be prepared to sit for numerous certifications.

Automotive Technician Certificate

Locations:

Program length: 15 Months*

Award: Certificate

Credit hours: 72

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree

Major: Automotive Technician

Locations:

Program length: 19.5 Months*

Award: AOS Degree

Credit hours: 94.5

The Automotive Technician program is designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed in your new career.

During your classes, you will:

  • Get hands-on automotive training using industry tools and diagnostics
  • Design and assemble high performance engines at our Colorado Springs campus
  • Learn light diesel engine repair
  • Receive personalized instruction from certified instructors.
  • Prepare to sit for automotive certifications

Here’s what will you learn in the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program:

AUTB-101 Introduction to Automotive Industry
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course is designed to orient students to the automotive industry and repair environment. Students should apply the topics of this course to identify automotive systems; recognize diagnostic, repair, and maintenance tools and equipment; describe the diagnostic process; properly document a basic repair order; and demonstrate the navigation of a repair database. Student demonstration of shop and tool safety procedures, fluid and materials safety is a must.
Credit Hours: 7.0

AUTB-102 Automotive Electrical Fundamentals
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of automotive electronics and build a foundation for students’ future courses and work. Topics include basic electrical principles and laws, electrical circuits and wiring diagrams, theories of magnetism, general automotive electrical systems, batteries, starting systems and motors, charging systems, and electronics and computer systems. The course covers problems that can occur in automotive electrical and electronic systems, as well as the testing tools and techniques used in diagnosing such problems. Students will gain hands-on experience in inspecting, measuring, servicing, and identifying problems with electrical and electronic systems of automobiles.

AUTB-103 Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair
Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain the inner working of the four-stroke engine, including diagnostic and maintenance / repair procedures. Safety, cleaning, measurements, and proper diagnostic procedures will be emphasized. Students become familiar with engine subsystems, components, fluids, and timing belt systems.

AUTB-104 Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

In this course, students develop the skills necessary to properly identify and interpret drivetrain concerns. Students gain knowledge in clutches, operation of the transmission/transaxle, driveshaft, half shaft, CV joint, ring and pinion, differential case assembly, limited-slip differential, and four-wheel/all-wheel drive systems. This course is designed to cover the fundamentals and build a foundation for the student to draw from. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain diagnosis and service procedures for automatic transmissions and transaxles. The student should also be able to identify common out-of-car service and diagnostic procedures, including removal and replacement of the transmission/transaxle assembly.

AUTB-105 Power Accessories & A/C
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

This course introduces the student to basic and computerized automobile accessory systems, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Students become familiar with system operation, and basic computer diagnostics. Building upon the electrical and electronic instruction in previous courses, students expand their learning to electrical accessory circuits on the automobile. This course covers the fundamentals of servicing heating and A/C, restraint, and electrical accessories systems.

AUTB-106: Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain how to service and repair brake system concerns and suspension/steering concerns. Students will become familiar with hydraulic system service, disc and drum brake service, antilock brake systems diagnosis and repair, steering and suspension systems, power assist steering, wheels/tires, shock absorbers, four-wheel alignments, and traction control systems.

AUTB-107 Engine Performance & Computer Control
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

This course provides an introduction to onboard computerized engine control systems used on vehicles. Students should gain a working knowledge of ignition systems, fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems, and emission control systems. In addition, diagnostic scopes and scanners are covered in depth. Engine performance characteristics and evaluation for hybrid and electrical vehicle types are also addressed.

AUTB-108 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

After successful completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel engine function and operation. Students will become familiar with the diesel engine, subsystems, components, fluids, fuel delivery systems, and servicing and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel electronic control systems. Knowledge needed to diagnose, test, and service common diesel electronic fuel injection systems, engine electronic systems, and diesel charging and starting systems are covered.

AUTB-109 Automotive Capstone
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103, AUTB-104, AUTB-105, AUTB-106, AUTB-107, AUTB-108

This course is designed to provide students review and preparation covering all aspects of the automotive program. Repair order preparation, technician documentation and scheduling will be incorporated along with a review of all automotive systems to prepare students for real world service applications.

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development
Prerequisite(s): NA

During this course students will learn and develop their skills in various aspects that will contribute to career success. They will learn how to empower themselves for their career through preparation and proper goal setting. Students will learn how to properly develop an effective resume and cover letter, how to appropriately prepare for the interview process, what to expect during an interview, and how to follow-up once the interview is completed. They will specifically focus on developing understanding of the hiring process, the role of social media and networking play, how to search for jobs, what their worth is and what the job market is like. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a mock interview, focusing on how to answer common questions, as well as gain, develop their professionalism as it relates to the interview process and ultimately their career.

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness
Prerequisite(s): NA

This course is designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. It will introduce skills to prepare students for personal growth and success in their career. Emphasis will be placed on aiding students in the development of a variety of soft skills necessary for success in their career field and classroom interactions to include Stress Management, Effective Study Skills, Time Management, Leadership Development, Team Building, Financial Literacy, Effective Communication Skills, Diversity and Conflict Resolution, Career Readiness and Overcoming Road Blocks to Success. Students will also participate in activities to help develop the necessary skills to cope with and manage common obstacles that may arise in the workplace. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be ready to begin their educational journey in their chosen program feeling confident and prepared to engage in the classroom and lab setting.

LE-150 Leadership
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of leadership as it relates to working for an organization and leading a team. This course has an emphasis on preparing students to focus on their leadership qualities and characteristics in an effort to be a contributing member of their organization.

CT-201 Critical Thinking
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This introductory level course presents a variety of topics essential to a student’s development in critical thinking. Students are introduced to concepts essential to the comprehension, analysis, and creation of arguments: induction, deduction, informal fallacies, Aristotelian and symbolic logic, modes of persuasion, perspective and bias, language and meaning, culminating in the development of reasonable strategies for belief formation.

BC-210 Business Communications
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course provides the foundations of all types of business communication including letters, memos, electronic communication, written reports, oral presentations, and interpersonal communication. The course also includes topics of resumes, application letters, interviewing tips, and employment follow-up documents.

IB-215 Introduction to Business
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course provides students with an overview of business in an increasingly global society serving as an introduction to business terminology, concepts, environments, systems, strategies, and current issues. Topics include an overview of the business environment, business ethics, entrepreneurship and global business, management, marketing, production, information systems, and financial elements of business. This course provides a solid business foundation for more detailed and higher-level study in subsequent courses.

AG-255 American Government
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes.

Certificate Courses

AUTB-101 Introduction to Automotive Industry
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course is designed to orient students to the automotive industry and repair environment. Students should apply the topics of this course to identify automotive systems; recognize diagnostic, repair, and maintenance tools and equipment; describe the diagnostic process; properly document a basic repair order; and demonstrate the navigation of a repair database. Student demonstration of shop and tool safety procedures, fluid and materials safety is a must.

AUTB-102 Automotive Electrical Fundamentals
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of automotive electronics and build a foundation for students’ future courses and work. Topics include basic electrical principles and laws, electrical circuits and wiring diagrams, theories of magnetism, general automotive electrical systems, batteries, starting systems and motors, charging systems, and electronics and computer systems. The course covers problems that can occur in automotive electrical and electronic systems, as well as the testing tools and techniques used in diagnosing such problems. Students will gain hands-on experience in inspecting, measuring, servicing, and identifying problems with electrical and electronic systems of automobiles.

AUTB-103 Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain the inner working of the four-stroke engine, including diagnostic and maintenance / repair procedures. Safety, cleaning, measurements, and proper diagnostic procedures will be emphasized. Students become familiar with engine subsystems, components, fluids, and timing belt systems.

AUTB-104 Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

In this course, students develop the skills necessary to properly identify and interpret drivetrain concerns. Students gain knowledge in clutches, operation of the transmission/transaxle, driveshaft, half shaft, CV joint, ring and pinion, differential case assembly, limited-slip differential, and four-wheel/all-wheel drive systems. This course is designed to cover the fundamentals and build a foundation for the student to draw from. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain diagnosis and service procedures for automatic transmissions and transaxles. The student should also be able to identify common out-of-car service and diagnostic procedures, including removal and replacement of the transmission/transaxle assembly.

AUTB-105 Power Accessories & A/C
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

This course introduces the student to basic and computerized automobile accessory systems, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Students become familiar with system operation, and basic computer diagnostics. Building upon the electrical and electronic instruction in previous courses, students expand their learning to electrical accessory circuits on the automobile. This course covers the fundamentals of servicing heating and A/C, restraint, and electrical accessories systems.

AUTB-106: Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain how to service and repair brake system concerns and suspension/steering concerns. Students will become familiar with hydraulic system service, disc and drum brake service, antilock brake systems diagnosis and repair, steering and suspension systems, power assist steering, wheels/tires, shock absorbers, four-wheel alignments, and traction control systems.

AUTB-107 Engine Performance & Computer Control
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

This course provides an introduction to onboard computerized engine control systems used on vehicles. Students should gain a working knowledge of ignition systems, fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems, and emission control systems. In addition, diagnostic scopes and scanners are covered in depth. Engine performance characteristics and evaluation for hybrid and electrical vehicle types are also addressed.

AUTB-108 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

After successful completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel engine function and operation. Students will become familiar with the diesel engine, subsystems, components, fluids, fuel delivery systems, and servicing and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel electronic control systems. Knowledge needed to diagnose, test, and service common diesel electronic fuel injection systems, engine electronic systems, and diesel charging and starting systems are covered.

AUTB-109 Automotive Capstone
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103, AUTB-104, AUTB-105, AUTB-106, AUTB-107, AUTB-108

This course is designed to provide students review and preparation covering all aspects of the automotive program. Repair order preparation, technician documentation and scheduling will be incorporated along with a review of all automotive systems to prepare students for real world service applications.

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development
Prerequisite(s): NA

During this course students will learn and develop their skills in various aspects that will contribute to career success. They will learn how to empower themselves for their career through preparation and proper goal setting. Students will learn how to properly develop an effective resume and cover letter, how to appropriately prepare for the interview process, what to expect during an interview, and how to follow-up once the interview is completed. They will specifically focus on developing understanding of the hiring process, the role of social media and networking play, how to search for jobs, what their worth is and what the job market is like. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a mock interview, focusing on how to answer common questions, as well as gain, develop their professionalism as it relates to the interview process and ultimately their career.

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness
Prerequisite(s): NA

This course is designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. It will introduce skills to prepare students for personal growth and success in their career. Emphasis will be placed on aiding students in the development of a variety of soft skills necessary for success in their career field and classroom interactions to include Stress Management, Effective Study Skills, Time Management, Leadership Development, Team Building, Financial Literacy, Effective Communication Skills, Diversity and Conflict Resolution, Career Readiness and Overcoming Road Blocks to Success. Students will also participate in activities to help develop the necessary skills to cope with and manage common obstacles that may arise in the workplace. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be ready to begin their educational journey in their chosen program feeling confident and prepared to engage in the classroom and lab setting.

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Automotive Industry Certifications

Students may have the opportunity to sit for the following certifications:

  • Entry-level ASE Certifications
  • EPA Section 609 Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling Certifications
  • Pro Cut Train Smart Level 1 Certification

After Graduation Certifications

After successfully completing your auto mechanic school training at IntelliTec College, you will be well on your way to being prepared to sit for these automotive certification exams:

ASE Certifications (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating & Air Conditioning, Engine Performance, Light Vehicle Diesel Engines)

Industry Partnerships

Tool Partnership with MATCO

IntelliTec College is proud to partner with MATCO for our automotive tools. Each student will receive their own service-cart with a 200+ piece tool set. Students also have the benefit of purchasing additional tools while in school at a discounted rate. Talk to one of our instructors for details.

IntelliTec College & Electude Partnership

IntelliTec in partnership with Electude make sure our students have the most state-of-the-art e-learning technology. Using 3D gaming and simulation software developed by Electude, our students learn in-demand skills that can be applied to their careers immediately.

Is Hands-On Training for a Career as an Automotive Technician Right for You?

If you’re interested in exploring whether IntelliTec College’s educational training programs for career opportunities in the Automotive industry are right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful IntelliTec College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from determining the right career path for you to discussing financial aid options.

Our Partners

IntelliTec College Locations

IntelliTec College has 4 accredited campus locations in Colorado Springs, CO, Grand Junction, CO, Pueblo, CO, and Albuquerque, NM. Each of our campuses provides a unique learning experience, helping you become a career-ready professional. Explore your career options today!

Albuquerque Campus

Colorado Springs Campus

Grand Junction Campus

Pueblo Campus

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