At The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show Community College of Philadelphia's Automotive Technology Program Presents a Path to Job Opportunity

PHILADELPHIA, January 27, 2009 - Technological advancements, the national economic crisis and growing interest in "green" technology make this year’s Philadelphia International Auto Show the ideal showcase for Community College of Philadelphia’s Automotive Technology program.

Whether it is blue-tooth cell phones, anti-lock brakes, sensor-controlled air bags or wireless computer technology, today’s cars, trucks and vans are loaded with computerized, electronic gadgetry that requires more skill to service than in decades past.

Dan Reed, an assistant professor in the College’s Transportation Technologies Management department, said while today’s autos still use internal combustion, piston-driven engines they are layered with electronics that make them much more complicated.

"Unless you have specific training for a specific vehicle or are a service professional, I would not recommend doing too much on your own car other than what is outlined in your service guide," Reed said.

Some vehicles, Reed said, even have computerized sensors that measure your weight, height and how far back you are sitting so that the vehicle’s air bags deploy properly. For most people, Reed said, their automobile is "the most expensive appliance" they will ever own.

The nation’s economic crisis has prompted people to rely much more on quality service from trained auto technicians to help them get the most mileage out of their vehicles. In addition, Americans are becoming more energy and environment conscious prompting an increase in people riding public transit and an increase in the sales of fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles that have sophisticated computer systems. Public transit authorities have increased their hiring of automotive technicians because more people are taking public transit which requires the authorities to service their vehicles more often.

Community College of Philadelphia’s Auto Tech program offers students the opportunity to learn the computer skills and technologies necessary to enter this growing field of automotive service technician.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics identified automotive service technician as a career that offers “excellent opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work.” Starting salaries for automotive technicians range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the number of certifications a technician achieves and the dealership for which they work.

According to the federal bureau, highly skilled, technologically advanced automotive professionals are increasingly in demand. “Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs,” the bureau said in its 2006-07 occupational guide.

Since its inception more than two decades ago, Community College of Philadelphia’s Automotive Technology program has graduated more than 150 degree students and more than 100 noncredit scholars.

The program provides students with the opportunity to develop both technical and business skills in automotive maintenance and repair, as well as in automotive management, marketing and sales. About 70 percent of the training is hands-on, and much of it takes place at the College’s Auto Tech center at 48th and Ludlow streets. Students in the associate’s degree and certificate programs have internship opportunities and can earn multiple certifications from the Ford Motor Company. The College also offers licensing programs for both Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspectors.

Last year, 19 area high school students graduated from the Automotive Technology program’s Automotive Electrical Systems program. The 15-week program allows students to take automotive technology courses over the summer and work hands-on through internships with Philadelphia-area dealerships.

At this year’s Auto Show, the College’s booth will feature a 2009 Ford Focus. The College’s booth will be located in Hall D on the lower level, next to the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

(Note to Editors & Reporters: Dan Reed, an assistant professor in the College’s Transportation Technologies Management department, is available for media interviews.)