Turn a Love of Cars Into an Automotive Career

October 10, 2025

Posted by in Programs and Pathways 

St. Louis Community College is preparing students for one of the region’s most practical, hands-on career fields: automotive technology. The automotive technology program helps students build the skills needed to diagnose, repair and service today’s vehicles while giving local employers access to trained technicians who are ready to contribute.

Students learn through a mix of classroom instruction and guided lab work. They practice with industry-standard tools, study real vehicle systems and build the technical habits employers look for in dealerships, repair shops, fleet maintenance departments and other automotive workplaces.

Train for Automotive Service and Repair Careers

STLCC’s automotive technology program is part of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Occupations and Transportation. The program is designed for students who want more than a basic introduction to cars. It gives them structured training in the systems technicians work with every day.

Students train in all eight areas of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification:

• Engine repair.
• Automatic transmission and transaxle.
• Manual drive train and axles.
• Suspension and steering.
• Brakes.
• Electrical and electronic systems.
• Heating and air conditioning.
• Engine performance.

That broad training helps students understand how vehicle systems work together. Instead of learning only one task or one repair area, students build a foundation that can support many automotive careers.

Learn in the Transportation Education Center

The Transportation Education Center at STLCC-Forest Park opened in 2025 and brings automotive technology, diesel technology and truck driving programs together under one roof.

The 79,000-square-foot facility includes modern labs and industry-standard equipment, giving students the chance to work with tools and technology similar to what they may use on the job. The center also allows more students to train at the same time, which helps address the region’s need for skilled technicians.

For students, that means more room to practice, more exposure to transportation careers and more opportunities to connect classroom learning with real workplace expectations.

Choose a Credential That Fits Your Goals

STLCC offers several automotive technology options, so students can choose a path based on how quickly they want to enter the workforce and how far they want to continue their training.

Each pathway is offered at STLCC’s Forest Park campus. Students can start with a shorter credential, continue into a larger program or build toward an associate degree that supports long-term career growth.

Build Skills Employers Need

Automotive service work requires more than knowing how to use tools. Technicians need to think through problems, follow safety steps, communicate clearly and adapt as vehicle technology changes.

STLCC students complete guided lab activities that mirror real automotive service work. They may practice diagnosing engine issues, inspecting brakes, reviewing electrical systems and working through repair procedures. These experiences help students build confidence before they enter the field.

The curriculum also supports ASE preparation. Students study the knowledge areas connected to ASE standards and take practice tests that help them prepare for certification. This gives students a clearer sense of what employers and industry credentials require.

Make Automotive Training More Affordable

Cost matters when students choose a career program. STLCC offers a cost-effective path into automotive technology, with in-district tuition at $122 per credit hour. Lower tuition can help students focus on learning, complete training and move into the workforce without taking on the cost of many private programs.

Flexible scheduling also helps. Day, evening and hybrid classes can make it easier for students to balance school with work, family and other responsibilities.

Connect Students and Local Employers

STLCC’s automotive technology program supports both students and employers. Students gain practical training and career direction. Employers gain access to graduates who have practiced technical skills, safety procedures and diagnostic work before starting the job.

Local businesses value graduates who can enter the workplace with a stronger understanding of shop expectations. Hands-on training can reduce onboarding time and help new employees become productive more quickly.

STLCC also works with local businesses through corporate training and employee development programs. Employers can connect with STLCC students and graduates through the Handshake platform, which supports recruiting and engagement.

Prepare for Long-Term Automotive Careers

Automotive technology can lead to many career paths. Graduates may work in dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance departments or related transportation settings. With experience, career paths can expand into service management, parts coordination, advanced diagnostics, training roles or entrepreneurship.

STLCC automotive technology graduates go on to work in roles related to their training, often in high-demand jobs across the region. According to Missouri’s MoSCORES data, STLCC alumni in automotive fields consistently find employment connected to their education, often within months of graduation.

Employers also report strong satisfaction with STLCC-trained technicians, citing their preparation, professionalism and ability to adapt as automotive technology changes.

Start Your Automotive Technology Training at STLCC

Skilled trades are an important part of today’s workforce. STLCC’s automotive technology program combines hands-on education, modern training spaces, flexible credential options and strong employer connections to support students and the region.

For students who enjoy problem-solving, working with their hands and learning how complex systems operate, automotive technology can be a strong path forward.