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Automotive Service Technology (ASE)

Lawson State Community College’s Bessemer campus has offered ASE training since 1984 when we partnered with General Motors to begin the GM-ASEP program. Later, we expanded to work with Ford and Toyota. Currently, Lawson State Community College is the only Southeastern school with three manufacturer-sponsored programs on one campus. The mission of the Automotive Technology Programs (GM-ASEP, Ford ASSET and Toyota T-TEN) is to prepare students for successful employment or advancement in the automotive technology field. We utilize a manufacturer-sponsored curriculum, hands-on training as well as a variety of tools, vehicles and equipment to train entry-level students for employment in their chosen field. All of our Automotive Technology (ASE) programs are NATEF certified. Our curriculum leaders work hard to meet NATEF requirements, and are constantly updating the training, program of study, as well as available tools and vehicles to meet changes in the marketplace. The Automotive Technology program offers an AAS degree requiring a minimum of 78 credit hours to complete.

What makes Automotive Service Technology different?

Lawson State Community College enjoys work-study partnerships with General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation. Participating dealerships offer training and development opportunities to prepare students for real-world experiences. During the fall and spring terms, students alternately attend classes and labs on campus while working in their sponsoring dealerships; which allows students to immediately apply their knowledge. This arrangement allows students to earn an income while they learn! To be admitted into this program, a student must hold a valid driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record so that he/she is insurable under the dealership’s automotive insurance carrier. The student must also secure a participating dealership sponsor.

Employment Potential for Automotive Service Technicians**

Click the "Job Outlook" bar to look up the Department of Labor Statistics on your select field of interest. What does your future career pay? What are the job prospects? Are you attempting to study a "high demand" job? Find out.

• Many employers report difficulty finding workers with the right skills and education to fill available positions – meaning that this exciting field is full of opportunity for those who complete formal training.
• Median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, are $35,790 per year. The top 10% earned more than $59,590.
• Industries employing the largest number of automotive service technicians are automotive repair and maintenance shops, automobile dealers, and retailers and wholesalers of automotive parts, accessories, and supplies. Others find employment in home and auto supply stores, automotive equipment rental and leasing companies, the government and other organizations.
• Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 17% between 2010 and 2020.
**According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010. Additional information available at www.bls.gov

PLEASE NOTE: ALL students in these programs MUST have a dealership sponsor to be in the program. We cannot guarantee dealership employment – we can set up the interviews, but you have to land the job with the Service Manager. It’s essential that you interview well, have a clean driving record and pass a drug test. Since dealership technicians must drive customer’s cars for diagnostic purposes, the dealership’s insurance carrier will review your driving record and run a background check. If there are speeding tickets, wrecks or DUI issues you may not be able to work at a dealership.