Automotive Technology
Interested in a career working on vehicles? Butte College's Automotive Technology program is an ASE/NATEF-accredited, hands-on program offered at the Skyway Center in Chico. Enrollment is open but limited, so this page walks you through the prerequisites and how to get started, what the program costs, where and when classes meet, and the tracks available. Review each section below, then reach out to the Automotive Department with any questions.
Automotive Resources
Category
Academic and Technical SupportAudience
- Future
Prerequisites
To prepare for the Automotive Technology program, you must complete AUT 101 and AUT 3 (or their equivalents) before registering for the program's core courses. Before you can register for AUT 101 or AUT 3, you need a Butte College student ID number and must complete orientation. There is no minimum GPA.
Considerations
Automotive Technology has limited enrollment, so completing the prerequisites early is the best way to prepare. A program tour is encouraged — it is a good way to learn about the facility, the tracks, and your next steps. Contact the Automotive Department for current availability.
Category
Academic and Technical SupportAudience
- Future
How to get started
- Apply to Butte College and obtain your Butte College student ID number.
- Complete orientation.
- Register for the prerequisite courses, AUT 101 and AUT 3.
- Sign up for a program tour to meet the faculty and see the facility.
- If you are interested in the Honda PACT track, schedule a counseling session with the PACT coordinator.
Apply to Butte College Sign Up for a Program Tour
There is no separate, competitive program application — you enter the program by completing the prerequisites and registering for courses.
Category
Academic and Technical SupportAudience
- Future
What it costs
You are responsible for tuition and fees ($46 per unit for California residents plus service fees), books, and your own tools. The program also requires a uniform (Butte College Automotive shirts and pants, or a dealership-provided uniform) and safety glasses. Specific tool and supply costs are not published online and vary by track, so contact the Automotive Department for the current tool and supply list and costs. Costs are subject to change and do not include living expenses.
Category
Academic and Technical SupportAudience
- Future
Where
All automotive classes are held at the Butte College Skyway Center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd, Chico, CA.
Time commitment
The General Automotive program is typically completed in about four semesters (a Certificate of Achievement, or an Associate degree with general education). Class days and times vary by course — check the class schedule in Self-Service. The Honda PACT track includes a paid dealership internship (about 320 hours).
Category
Academic and Technical SupportAudience
- Future
Program tracks
Butte College Automotive is an ASE/NATEF-accredited program with several tracks:
- General Automotive — a Certificate of Achievement or Associate degree covering the full range of automotive systems.
- Honda PACT (Professional Automotive Career Training) — factory Honda and Acura certification with a paid dealership internship.
- Kenworth Essentials — a manufacturer-partnered diesel and truck track.
Have questions about the Automotive Technology program?
Contact the Automotive Department at the Skyway Center in Chico.