Driving the Future: Preparing the Next Generation of Automotive Technicians

The automotive industry has a rich history that has profoundly and continually shapes our lives, revolutionizes transportation, and influences global economies. Today, the automotive industry is navigating a complex landscape characterized by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and everchanging market dynamics.

At the core of this evolving industry is a growing demand for skilled automotive technicians to support and service technological advancements and the shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). As the need for skilled professionals surges, the supply of qualified technicians has struggled to keep pace, resulting in a significant skills gap.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the nation will need more than 67,000 automotive technicians each year until at least 2033, which represents a projected annual job growth of 3% as a national average.

Additionally, this shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles necessitates a new set of technical competencies. The rise of connected vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) requires proficiency in IT-centric skills, for example.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Seminole State's Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Automotive Engineering Technology has been recognized as the No. 1 automotive educational program in the United States. The unique curriculum, accredited by ASE Education Foundation, Ford and General Motors (GM), combines the latest in automotive technology education, relevant industry internships and strong academic coursework to prepare graduates for successful careers in the automotive service industry.

Knowledgeable and experienced faculty members, coupled with active industry partnerships ensure that automotive students receive advanced training that integrates traditional vehicle technology with emerging alternative-fuel technologies such as hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel cell.

Students in the Automotive Engineering Technology program select a track of study with domestic (GM and Ford) or import vehicles. With either track, students acquire important skills related to high-performance vehicles, alternative-fuel vehicles, and diagnoses and repair.

Jeff Janes, a Ford ASSET instructor at Seminole State, always knew his passion was rooted in cars. He has witnessed first-hand the blend of mechanics and technology from his first job at a local oil-change shop to working in the field as a technician. During his continued education process, he was recruited by the College to spearhead the Ford-Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) track, a partnership between the Ford Motor Co., Ford and Lincoln dealers.

As an associate professor, Janes emphasizes integrated skills of mechanical, technical and interpersonal training to succeed as a proficient line technician. Alongside Professor and Senior Master Technician Azan Edoo, the faculty and staff at Seminole State provide unparalleled instruction that blends both theory and hands-on practicum. With a deep commitment to student success, instructors not only teach foundational concepts in automotive engineering but also ensure that students gain practical, real-world experience.

“I take great pride in witnessing students' progress and accomplishments through this program,” Janes said. “Every day, we are changing the out-of-date perception of mechanics to automotive engineering. Just as cars evolve, so has the training. Automotive is part of the STEM industry, not a last resort option.” 

Seminole State’s automotive students intern at new car dealerships, fleet operations facilities, municipalities or independent garages to prepare for full-time jobs in the automotive field. These skills are highly valued as technical expertise is complemented by effective communication and collaboration opportunities.

This high-demand industry focus is supported by impressive results, as paid internships lead to a 100% placement rate upon graduation from the A.A.S program at Seminole State College.

Learn More: Information Sessions 

A series of information sessions is scheduled throughout the spring and summer to learn more about the Automotive program and admissions process, discover financial aid opportunities, meet the program manager, faculty, and academic advisor, tour the automotive labs and classrooms, and see demonstrations of state-of-the-art technology at the Barbara Miller CFADA Automotive Training Center.

Register for a free information session at seminolestate.edu/automotive.