Occupational outlook. Are employers hiring for jobs in this area?
Yes, they are! In fact, 50 to 75 percent of the Automotive Technology graduates are placed well before they graduate from the program. The labor market is very good, there are always job openings. California has more cars per capita than most states, and there are many cars and auto repair shops. Car repair cannot be outsourced to another country, so the jobs will continue to be performed near where people live. Companies such as Crown Chevrolet, Cordarolli Ford, Kragen, Monument parts, and other similar dealerships, parts stores, and small local repair shops hire graduates. Las Positas also works with an advisory board with local industry partners to develop career opportunities for students.

Welding Technology graduates, especially those with work experience, are in great demand because many welders are leaving the job market due to retirements and attrition. Students who work while in school can make themselves more attractive candidates for employment. Although jobs are available in many industries, the bulk of welding positions are concentrated in industrial cities and areas. Companies such as Pro-Tek, PG&E, Olson Steel, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Berkeley Farms, Clorox, Sunshine Biscuits, United Rentals, and Detention Device Services have hired graduates from the program.

Technology background. Can I pursue a career in this field without a background in technology?
Yes, definitely! You don’t really need a background in technology to enter these programs. It does help if you know how to use the Windows operating system. Also, studies show that improving spatial reasoning skills (the ability to see things in three dimensions) can help women increase their academic achievement. Visit the CalWomenTech Learning Library to find out about software you can use to learn spatial relationships. Fortunately, the automotive and welding programs have a lot of hands-on training in their labs, so you’ll be able to apply each of the technologies you’re learning in real-life situations. Internships and work experience programs are also available.

Accessibility for women. Isn’t automotive and welding technology a tough field for women to break into?
Women who apply themselves and work hard should not have a problem breaking into automotive or welding technology. It’s true that more men than women currently work in these fields, but more and more women are building successful careers as welders and automotive technicians. Las Positas College has made a special effort to recruit and retain women to meet the growing demands of these fields – and female students have had a very good reception. Explore this website for Success Stories of role models, e-mentoring, and other opportunities to network with other women in technology fields.

Receptivity to hiring women. Will employers hire women into male-dominated technology areas?
Absolutely! Many employers involved in the CalWomenTech Project are eager to hire qualified women welders and automotive technicians. Visit E-Jobs for companies specifically looking to hire women.

Jobs available. What kinds of jobs can I get with a certificate and with an A.S. degree?
Automotive: With an Automotive Service Technician certificate, new graduates can expect to find employment in a tire and alignment shop. Graduates of the Automotive Technician certificate program and the A.S. degree can expect to find work as automotive technicians or service writers in car dealerships or small local repair shops, and in auto parts shops. Graduates with an A.S. degree may qualify for advancement more quickly.

Welding: Students graduating with a certificate or A.S. degree in Welding Technology can expect to find entry-level positions in a welding shop or welding department of a larger company. Students who gain work experience while in school may make more attractive candidates, and those with an A.S. degree may find more advancement opportunities.

Salaries. What kind of salary can I expect?
Automotive: Students often find work in the field while they are still taking classes at Las Positas College, and can earn in the range of $12 to $14 per hour. The average wage at placement is $14 per hour. Experienced automotive technicians can earn up to $25 to $35 per hour, and may also earn efficiency bonuses at some shops.

Welding: Students and graduates can expect entry-level hourly rates of $12 to $15 per hour. The average wage at placement is $15 per hour, rising to $20 within two to three years. The average salary for an experienced welder can range between $25 and $30 per hour, or more with union membership and seniority.

More information. Where can I learn more about technology careers and what they're like for women?
You’ll find a great deal of information on this website about women in automotive and welding careers. For starters, you can find a female mentor at e-mentoring, network with other women at a Women in Automotive/Welding Association meeting, and read our Success Stories about other women in this and related fields.

For more welding career information, visit Miller Welds, the website for a company that makes welding equipment and which provides information on building welding skills, and the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, which offers a newsletter, training opportunities, and other information.

Math skills. How much math do I really need?
There are no math prerequisites for these programs. However, if you’re entering the Automotive Technology program, it does help to have a basic understanding of geometry. For the Welding Technology program, it’s good for students to know how to use fractions and decimals, measuring tools, and a calculator. For more advanced positions involving fabrication, basic elements of geometry, trigonometry, and algebra will be useful.

If you’re concerned about your math skills, you can use software from the CalWomenTech Learning Library that helps you develop spatial reasoning skills (the ability to see things in three dimensions), and enhances your math and problem-solving skills. If you want to refresh your math skills, find out your current skill level by taking an assessment test. Visit the Assessment Center for details.

Technology skills. How can I prepare for the program if I don't have a background in technology?
You don’t really need a background in technology to enter these programs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare yourself to make your first days in class go more smoothly. Studies show that improving spatial relationships (the ability to see things in three dimensions) can help women increase their academic achievement. Visit the CalWomenTech Learning Library to find out about software you can use to learn spatial relationships and enhance your math and problem-solving skills.

Since much of the Automotive Technology Program is focused on electrical and electronic issues, taking an electrical course and learning all you can in advance about the inner electrical workings of computers will also give you a head start in your classes. It also helps to know how to use the Windows operating system and browse the Internet, since much of the information for making electronic/electrical repairs is found using an online service manual.

You will learn the technology you need for the Welding Technology Program from the courses in the program.

Placement Tests. Are placement tests required for this program?
No placement tests are required for the Automotive and Welding programs.

Courses required. How can I find out what courses I need to take for the Automotive or Welding Technology program?
You’ll find a complete listing of the courses required for the Automotive Technology Program and Welding Technology Program online, as well as in your college catalog.

Length of program. How long will it take to complete this technology program?

Automotive Technology:

• The Automotive Service Technician certificate program takes most students one year to complete (or up to two if you’re employed while in the program).
• The Automotive Technician certificate program takes most students two to three years to complete, depending on scheduling and employment status.
• The A.S. degree takes two years to complete if you’re not employed while in the program, and three to four years to complete if you’re holding down a job at the same time.

Welding Technology:

• Most students complete the Certificate in Welding Technology in one to two years, depending on their work and other commitments.
• The A.S. Degree in Welding Technology program takes most students two to three years, depending on their scheduling and the availability of required General Education courses.

High school preparation. Can I prepare myself for a technology program at LPC while I’m still in high school?
Yes, there are several things you can do to prepare while you’re in high school.

If you’re interested in the Automotive Technology Program, take an electrical course. It will give you a head start in understanding the many electrical electronics components in today’s cars. In addition, learn all you can about the internal electrical operation of computers, as well as how to use Microsoft Windows and browse the Internet.

For the Welding Technology Program, it helps to have computer knowledge and to learn how to use measuring tools such as a ruler and tape measure, how to add decimals and fractions, and how to work with angles.

Weight-lifting requirements. How can I prepare myself physically to meet the weight-lifting requirements for a job as an Automotive Technician or Welder?
Although automotive technicians may have to lift, push, or pull heavy parts, it is customary to ask for assistance for all heavy lifting. To prepare yourself physically to work as an automotive technician, maintain normal muscular strength and mobility through regular, moderate exercise.

Welders may be required to lift up to 50 pounds, and are advised to learn and practice physical fitness, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.

Child care. What services does the college provide for students who need child care assistance while at school or work?
Students in the CalWORKS program can receive child care services. To be eligible for CalWORKS services, a student must be receiving CalWORKS cash aid and working with the County to develop a Welfare-to-Work plan. Contact the CalWORKS program coordinator for an intake appointment to discuss your child care needs.

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program, a supplemental program of the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program, provides child care reimbursement for eligible students who are in the EOPS program and who are single parents or face other challenges.

A child care center is currently being built on campus which, when completed sometime in late 2010, will offer child care services for students. In the meantime, students are encouraged to locate an off-campus child care provider through Child Care Links, a resource and referral center serving the Tri-Valley area with offices in Pleasanton, Fremont, and Oakland. Child Care Links provides the following:

• Subsidized child care services
• Referrals to licensed child care providers that match your specific needs
• Family education and support services

CalWORKS Website 

Finances. How can I get financial aid?
All students who are concerned about paying for their college education, no matter what their current financial situation, are encouraged to apply for financial aid. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, and enter the Las Positas College code, 030357, in your application. Your information will then be transmitted directly to the college Financial Aid office. You can drop in to see a Financial Aid Specialist during office hours to discuss the alternatives available to you. Visit the How to apply page of the Las Positas College Financial Aid website for details. Once you complete your application, you may call, e-mail, or drop in to the Financial Aid office to discuss your eligibility for the many grants, fee waivers, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs available.

The College also has its own scholarship program, as well as a current listing of outside scholarship opportunities and links to many other scholarship sites. Scholarships are often available for students entering fields in which they are not well represented, including the automotive technology field.

The Financial Aid office makes two high-speed computers available for student use to apply for financial aid and explore the opportunities. Financial aid funds can help with all costs of attending college, including enrollment fees, book and supplies, room and board, other personal and living expenses, transportation, child care, and computers. If you have concerns about paying for college, please be sure to fill out the FAFSA and then explore your options with a Financial Aid Specialist.

Note: Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or pass the “ability to benefit” test to qualify for financial aid.

Financial Aid Website