Learning by Doing
As an automobile servicing student, you learn through a hands-on approach.
You spend time in the classroom studying the various components of a car or truck.
Then you immediately apply your learning to vehicles in our state-of-the-art lab.
This method ensures you’re ready for work right after earning your credential.
As part of our program, you study fundamentals and emerging technologies, including
hybrid and electric vehicles. You also learn to diagnose and repair these systems:
- Air conditioning and heating
- Automatic and manual transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical and electronics
- Emissions control
- Engines
- Front suspension and steering
In 2022, Claude Townsend, the OCC automobile servicing program director, was
honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Michigan Community College Association. He earned the award based on his excellent
teaching skills and work in successfully rebuilding the automobile servicing program.
Since joining OCC in 2016, he has:
- Negotiated articulation agreements with five area high schools
- Built numerous internship programs
- Engaged local business partners
- Led efforts for the program to become accredited by the ASE Education Foundation
Townsend is also a certified
NC3 master instructor, the only Michigan community college instructor with this recognition. This certification
means he trains teachers as well as students.
Explore OCC’s Automobile Servicing Lab
Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art OCC automobile servicing lab. Want to
see the lab in person? Register for Oakland Community College .
Enter the Field: Rewarding Credentials & Certification Opportunities
It’s the perfect time to enter the automobile servicing field, and we’re here to help.
Whatever your age or experience, we teach you what you need to know to be a successful
mechanic.
Associate Degree
Learn everything you need to know about cars and trucks by earning the automobile
servicing associate degree. With it comes better pay and growth opportunities.
If you attend on a full-time basis, you can earn this 61-credit Associate in Applied
Science (AAS) degree in about five semesters:
Certificate
If you’re ready to get to work and want the basic knowledge needed to succeed as an
automotive tech, consider our 36-credit certificate. It can be completed in four semesters,
even if you attend on a part-time basis:
You can also earn the certificate and then complete the associate degree. For more
information, speak with Claude Townsend, the automobile servicing program director.
Certifications
As part of your OCC automobile servicing education, you can also earn numerous certifications
that increase your marketability and grant you job-ready skills:
- NC3: Earn up to 29 in-demand industry certifications ranging from Automotive Scanner
Diagnosis to Wheel Service and Alignment. These certifications are built into your
classes, meaning you learn the skills necessary to complete them with every completed
assignment.
- Mopar CAP: You can earn electrical core skills and Level 1 (semi-skilled) technician credentials.
A Program Designed for Your Success
Your Support Team Includes Auto Pros
Our program is guided by local employers, who participate in an advisory board. Board
members keep our classes aligned with industry changes, and they also welcome our
students as apprentices.
They show up in the classes you take, meeting you and seeing your progress. They may
even hire you!
The board includes representatives from:
“You Learn Something New Every Day’ at OCC" - Tlek Zholdybekury
Let’s Go!
Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
- On the application select one of the degree or certificate programs ‘Automobile Servicing’.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form.
