Cerritos College Offers Free Automotive and Autobody Classes to High School Students

NORWALK, Calif. - Feb. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- One group just finished and the other group just started on February 3, 2014; both will be earning high school and college credit.

ACI was also developed between Southeast ROP and Cerritos College in which high school juniors and seniors take introductory automotive courses at Cerritos College while completing their graduation requirements.  The students earn high school credit as well as college credit for the class through an articulation agreement between the high school and Cerritos College.

The classes are free and are part of an after school program. The classes follow the high school calendar and are offered Monday – Thursday from 4:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. at Cerritos College in the Automotive Technology (AT) building, room AT 21.

The classes prepare students for careers in the Automotive and Autobody field.

Students learn general automotive, automotive safety, tools, automotive maintenance, engines, automotive careers, and job preparation. In the classroom, students learn theory as well as work on vehicles as part of the hands-on experience.

“These automotive classes, prepare the high school students for their future in college and in their career. These classes provides them an easy transition from high school to college. They become familiar with a college campus and the skills learned in class prepares them for a career in the Automotive industry. Taking a college class while in high school is a major accomplishment and gives the students a lot of pride in their education and in their lives,” said Automotive Instructor, Marty Supple.

Students learn general autobody, safety, tools, non-structural repair, painting, sanding, preparing body, autobody careers, job preparation, critical thinking, and team work. In the classroom, students learn theory as well as work on vehicles as part of the hands-on experience.

“This is a great program that helps them transition from high school to college, gets them exposed to a college environment, and offers them an opportunity to explore career pathways. We have a high percentage of our students that continue their education at the college level and progress in their Autobody careers” said Ken Cook.

The next classes for high school students begin in the summer semester. There will be one class on Engines and another class on Autobody. To enroll in a class, you must be an ABCUSD or NLMUSD high school junior or senior and must show up on the first day of class. One the first day of class the instructor will enroll you in the class.

If you are interested in the classes, contact Automotive Instructor, Marty Supple at msupple@cerritos.edu or the Autobody Instructor, Ken Cook at kcook@southeastrop.org.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Cerritos College Automotive Technology Program has an expansive automotive program including automotive service, auto body, and advanced transportation technologies.  The Automotive Technology Program offers certificates, degrees and special programs in automotive repair, collision repair, alternative fuels, smog training, advanced transportation technology and automotive management.

Career Pathways are available to high school students through the ACI program, to college students interested in obtaining an Associate in Arts degree in Automotive Service and certifications in other areas of specialization, and to those interested in attaining a Bachelors of Arts degree in Automotive Management through Northwood University.

To learn more about our Automotive program, visit http://cms.cerritos.edu/auto or call Jessica Coronado at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2909.

Southeast ROP (SEROP) is part of Regional Occupational Programs of California’s Department of Public Education. The purpose of SEROP is to provide exemplary career and technical education that contribute to student academic and career success. SEROP is a joint effort of the ABC and Norwalk La-Mirada Unified School Districts to provide career and technical education for high school students and adults. Southeast ROP serves 10 high schools within our 2 school districts. Classes are offered at high schools and other locations throughout ABC and Norwalk La-Mirada school districts.

Visit Southeast ROP at: www.southeastrop.com/