Automotive Technology

Our Automotive Technology Program and Ford ASSET option both require a valid driverʻs license.

Do you enjoy seeing how things work or taking mechanical items apart? Do you love cars—their engines, their complexity, their freedom? Turn your love of cars into a high-paying career!

You’ll gain the skills and competencies necessary for a successful career as an automotive technician. You’ll understand and achieve the work habits and attitudes necessary to work in a highly competitive field, and how to keep ahead of the latest technological changes in the automotive field.

The program offers hands-on shop training by certified instructors (Automotive Service Excellence) with years of real-world experience in the industry.

Program Details

Associate in Applied Science, Automotive Technology (63-64 credits) enables you to enter the workforce and seek employment in various areas of the automotive industry or related technical fields. Requirements for the AAS degree

Certificate of Achievement, Automotive Technology (30 credits) is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills required to enter the automotive industry with the goal of becoming an automotive technician. Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement

Certificate of Competence, Automotive Technology (15 credits) is designed to prepare you for an entry-level position in the automotive repair industry. Requirements for the Certificate of Competence

Ford ASSET logo

Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) is a Statewide program sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Ford and Lincoln/Mercury Dealers and Leeward CC. It is a unique two-year work-study experience designed to develop entry-level service technicians for Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships proficient in the latest automotive service technologies and methods.

The ASSET program leads to an AAS degree. The program also enables graduates to make advancements in their career paths. The cost of tools and supplies is approximately $1,120. Students interested in enrolling in ASSET should see the AMT ASSET Instructor.

Contact:
Jeff Eligio
Assistant Professor, CC
Ford ASSET Program Instructor/Coordinator ET-108
(808) 455-0438
eligioj@hawaii.edu

The time to complete the certificates or the degree varies from one to four semesters. To obtain the associate degree in two years, you have to take an average of 15 credits/semester.

Costs: tuition and fees

Jeff Eligio, Instructor CC, Automotive Technology; CA, AS, Leeward Community College; Certified Ford Motor Company Master Technician; Certified Automotive Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); Certified Mechanic, State of Hawai‘i ; Certified PMVI inspector (Safety Inspection), State of Hawai‘i.

Mark F. Lacasandile, Instructor CC, Automotive Technology; AS Leeward Community College; Certified Master Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); Certified Advance Level ASE Technician (L1); Annual Automotive Safety Inspector; Certified Mechanics License- State of Hawai‘i Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board; Toyota Team 21 Certified

Nolan Miyahara, Instructor CC, Automotive Technology; CA, AS, Automotive Technology, Leeward Community College, Advanced Engine Technology, Honolulu Community College; Certified Master Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE); Certified Advanced Level ASE Technician; Toyota Team 21 and Hybrid Certified; Certified Mechanic, State of Hawai‘i.

Eric M. K. Pang, Professor CC, Automotive Technology; AS, Automotive Technology, AA, Leeward Community College Community; B.Ed., Trades & Industry Education, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; Certified Master Automotive Technician by the National Automotive Institute for Service Excellence (ASE); Certified Mechanic License – State of Hawai‘i Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board

Tracey Tamura, Instructor CC, Automotive Technology; AS Leeward Community College; Certified Master Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); Certified Advanced Level ASE L1 Technician; Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician, State of Hawai‘i

Kelton Taniguchi, Automotive Lab Manager; AA, Liberal Arts, CC, CA, AAS Automotive Technology, Leeward Community College; BA, General Business Administration, University of Hawaii-West Oahu; ASE Certified Master Technician; ASE Advanced Level Technician; Certified Mechanic, State of Hawaii.

The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF), 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 669-6650.

Program Contacts

Tracey Tamura
Program Coordinator
ET 101C
(808) 455-0439

ttamura4@hawaii.edu

Blake Hunrick
Program Counselor
GT 111
(808) 455-0243
hunrick@hawaii.edu