The Cerritos College Automotive Department focuses on turning interest in cars into real career-ready skills. Instructors emphasize practical learning, combining classroom theory with shop-based practice so students gain experience in diagnostics, repair and maintenance across many vehicle systems. The program balances instruction on electronic systems, mechanical components and safety procedures, giving learners the technical vocabulary and shop habits employers expect. This approach uses real vehicles and industry-standard tools so students encounter the same challenges they will face in the workplace. The department also communicates the importance of continuous learning as vehicles evolve, stressing that mastery of fundamentals makes future adaptations easier.
Students can follow multiple academic routes to match their goals, whether they want a quick start to employment or a pathway to a four-year degree. The curriculum supports certificate completion, an associate degree, and transfer preparation for further study. High school learners can get an early advantage through the dual enrollment agreement with Artesia High School, an option that lets participants earn both college units and high school credit simultaneously; dual enrollment here means taking college-level classes while still enrolled in high school. Cerritos College also serves as the host site for the Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) initiative, a program aimed at strengthening regional leadership in advanced transportation and energy technologies.
Hands-on technician training
The program places a premium on practical shop time so students develop the applied skills employers need. Course labs cover routine maintenance tasks, complex electronic diagnostics, engine and drivetrain service, brake and suspension systems, and hybrid/electric fundamentals. Instructors guide learners through troubleshooting workflows, testing procedures and proper use of diagnostic equipment so students learn the logic behind repair decisions as well as the hands-on steps. The department cultivates professional habits—safety protocols, documentation, and customer communication—so graduates are prepared for both technician roles and technician-adjacent positions in service management or parts departments.
Industry partnerships and cohort programs
Ford ASSET cohort training
Cerritos College runs the Ford ASSET program in a cohort format to deliver brand-specific skills and pathways into dealership employment. Students progress through a sequenced schedule with peers, benefitting from concentrated instruction on Ford vehicle systems, factory procedures and specialty tooling. The program awards the Ford (ASSET) Essentials Certificate and the Ford (ASSET) Advanced Certificate, aligning coursework with manufacturer expectations and often including employer connections that can lead to internships or entry-level jobs. This cohort model emphasizes teamwork, consistency of instruction and direct exposure to Ford’s technical standards.
General Motors ASEP cohort training
Similarly, the campus supports the General Motors ASEP initiative, another cohort-based technician pathway that focuses on GM platforms and service practices. Students following this track complete sequenced modules designed to meet manufacturer benchmarks and earn credentials such as the General Motors (ASEP) Essentials Certificate and the General Motors (ASEP) Advanced Certificate. Cohort training means participants move through the curriculum together under closely coordinated instruction; cohort-based delivery helps maintain a consistent pace and fosters peer learning while aligning classroom outcomes with industry needs.
Academic pathways and opportunities
Cerritos College offers flexible entry points for both new students and working adults. Learners can pursue standalone automotive technology Certificates that focus on immediate workplace skills, or enroll in a broader program that culminates in an associate degree for additional depth. The department supports students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution by advising on course selection and articulation agreements. The college’s dual enrollment arrangement with Artesia High School allows motivated high school students to get an early start on college credit, reducing time and cost to completion. As host of the Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) center, Cerritos College also connects students to statewide initiatives focused on advanced vehicle and energy technologies.
Graduates leave with industry-relevant certificates, practical shop experience and network connections through partnerships with manufacturers and local employers. The program’s mix of hands-on labs, manufacturer-backed cohorts and clear academic pathways creates multiple routes into automotive careers—from entry-level technician roles to opportunities in service management, diagnostics specialization or continued study. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department for guidance on enrollment, schedules, and how specific certificates align with career goals.
