Las Positas College Women in Automotive and Welding Technology

What is Automotive Technology? Because so many elements of today’s cars are computerized and involve intricate wiring, about 60% of auto repair work relates to electrical components. Auto technicians assess car problems and consult with online service guides for repair guidelines before making repairs. The non-electrical work involves repairs to suspension, brakes, and engine work.

Career Path Graduates of this program have the skills to work as entry level technicians at:  Car dealerships  Small repair shops  Tire shops

Career Path Advancement With experience, workers can advance into jobs with greater responsibility and perform more complex repairs. Some graduates continue their education and get a bachelor’s degree, which makes them more eligible for management positions. Others in the field continue to take courses because of the constant change in the industry and the need to stay current. Advanced education is more likely to lead to promotional opportunities.

Labor Market Approx. Starting Salary: $12-14 per hour with either A.S. degree or certificate Average Wage at Placement: $14 per hour Average Salary: $25 to $35 per hour Placement Rate: Although exact placement rates are not available, 50 to 75% of Las Positas students find placements while they are still taking classes in the Automotive Technology program. Others go on to a four-year degree or pursue a different career direction. Labor Market: The labor market for automotive technology is excellent, with many job openings. Students who apply themselves to the program are likely to find work. California has many cars and many car repair shops. This work cannot be outsourced to another country. Each year the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the need for automotive technicians as one of the nation’s highest. As cars become increasingly controlled by electronic devices, graduates with this technical training are in great demand.

Industries Employing Graduates of this Program  Automotive industry  City, county and federal governments  Companies with large fleets of trucks or automobiles to maintain, such as FedEx, UPS, and car rental agencies

Career FAQs Are employers hiring for jobs in this area? Yes, they are! In fact, 50 to 75 percent of the Automotive Technology graduates are placed well before they graduate from the program. The labor market is very good; there are always job openings. California has more cars per capita than most states, and there are many cars and auto repair shops. Car repair cannot be outsourced to another country, so the jobs will continue to be performed near where people live. Las Positas also works with an advisory board with local industry partners to develop career opportunities for students.

Career FAQs cont’d Will employers hire women into male-dominated technology areas? Absolutely! Many employers involved in the CalWomenTech Project are eager to hire qualified women welders and automotive technicians. Larger dealerships and companies such as Crown Chevrolet, Cordarolli Ford, Kragen Auto, and Monument parts hire our students and graduates. We also have an industry advisory board which meets twice a year to advise us on employer needs and job openings.

Course Information  The Automotive Service Technician certificate program takes most students one year (or up to two if working while in the program) to complete.  The Automotive Technician certificate program takes most students two to three years to complete, depending on scheduling and work status.  The A.S. degree takes two years to complete if not working, and three to four years to complete if working.

What is Welding Technology? Welders evaluate the project at hand, select the type of process and materials, then use either a bright light from an electric arc or heat from a gas flame to heat materials to a liquefied or molten state, and then fuse them together. Welders must consistently produce high quality welds, since they must withstand pressure and weight bearing.

Career Path Advancement Some graduates find satisfying life-long careers as welding operators. Others use welding as a stepping stone to supervisory and leadership positions in companies or manufacturing facilities. Graduates with the A.S. degree make good candidates for roles such as shop and plant superintendents, which require both technical and people skills. Others may use their welding training as a way to get into project management or continue their studies in a four-year college program.

Labor Market Approx. Starting Salary: $12-15 per hour, or more for higher skilled graduates Average Wage at Placement: $15 per hour, rising to $20 within two to three years Average Salary: $25 to $30 per hour (could go higher for union member with seniority) Placement Rate: Students who apply themselves to the program and look for work before they graduate find work easily. Most students find a job within four to six months of leaving school, many within just two to three months. Labor Market: The labor market looks excellent for welders, with the majority of jobs centered in industrial areas. A shortage of welders is expected to occur in five to ten years, due to retirements and attrition. Currently enrolled students will not be able to meet this demand, so plenty of work is expected. PG&E, for example, is expected to lose 35% of its pipe welders in five years, and is a company which offers excellent salaries, great benefits, and opportunities for overtime.

Industries Employing Graduates of this Program  Manufacturing  Construction  Energy  Transportation  Research and Development

Career FAQs Are employers hiring for jobs in this area? Yes, they are! Welding Technology graduates, especially those with work experience, are in great demand because many welders are leaving the job market due to retirements and attrition. Students who work while in school can make themselves more attractive candidates for employment. Companies such as Pro-Tek, PG&E, Olson Steel, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Berkeley Farms, Clorox, Sunshine Biscuits, United Rentals, and Detention Device Services have hired graduates from the program.

Career FAQs cont’d Will employers hire women into male-dominated technology areas? Absolutely! Many employers involved in the CalWomenTech Project are eager to hire qualified women welders and automotive technicians. Companies like PG&E, Pro-Tek, Olson Steel, and Lawrence Livermore Laboratories hire our students and graduates.

Career FAQs cont’d Can I pursue a career in automotive or welding technology without a background in technology? Yes, definitely! You don’t really need a background in technology to enter these programs. It does help if you know how to use the Windows operating system. Also, studies show that improving spatial relationships (the ability to see things in three dimensions) can help women increase their academic achievement. Fortunately, the automotive and welding technology programs have a lot of hands-on training in their labs, so you’ll be able to apply each of the technologies you’re learning in real-life situations.

Course Information  Most students complete the Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology in one to two years, depending on whether they’re working during the day or have other commitments.  The A.S. Degree in Welding Technology Program takes most students two to three years, depending on their scheduling and the availability of required General Education courses.

Class Hours  Classes are mainly offered in the evening, on occasional weekends, and online  One-third of the classes are offered online. Schedules vary by semester

Role Models If They Can Do It So Can You!

Jacquelyn Etter Mechanical Technologist Employed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory “Just try it. You never know for sure if you’re going to like something until you try it. When I had my internship, they told me there would be some machining, and I didn’t know if I’d enjoy it, but I ended up really liking it. You never know, just give it a shot, go in with an open mind.”

Jacquelyn Etter cont’d  Once she began working at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, her employer suggested that she take additional courses in welding and vacuum technology at Las Positas College.  Jacquelyn has enjoyed her courses at Las Positas, which have also proved helpful on the job. She finds the teachers to be very good, especially Scott Miner, her welding instructor. Salary: $25K - $45K Education: Years in Field: 10 months Las Positas College, Welding and Vacuum Technology courses City/State: Livermore, California Sacramento State University B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Jacquelyn Etter cont’d Advice for women: “I was intimidated in high school,” says Jacquelyn about the all-boy classes. “So if you want to take a class and there are no other girls, find a buddy to take the class with you.”

Lauren Van Maren Employed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory “There’s nothing more empowering than knowing how your car works. Knowledge is power. Don’t limit yourself. If it interests you, don’t be afraid to explore it.”

Lauren Van Maren cont’d  Lauren Van Maren was always interested in the cars her father collected.  At her job, she attended weekly meetings with other tradeswomen to talk shop and share stories and support. Salary: $27-$32 per hour Education: Years in Field: 21 Las Positas College, A.S. in Automotive Technology; also completed California state- approved apprenticeship program in automotive mechanics City/State: Livermore, California

Lauren Van Maren cont’d Advice for women: “I think it’s good to expand yourself. You don’t have to settle for a traditional job. You can get your feet wet in any career. You can take these classes at Las Positas, and see what works for you.”

Las Positas CalWomenTech Website Features  Find an e-mentor  Read real women’s success stories  Check out news articles about women in the field  Find out information about the Automotive and Welding Technology programs  See our list of women in technology career associations  Take advantage of industry articles and listservs  Join WomenTech Talk Visit us at:

WomenTechWorld.org The on-line home for women technicians to connect with each other. Whether you are a Network Engineer, a Mechanic or a Sound Tech or a female student in a tech major, you'll want to visit WomenTechWorld.Org to network with other women.

WomenTechWorld.org WomenTechTalk This listserv has more than 500 women technicians and students participating in an discussion group. It serves as a source of support and inspiration where women help each other with questions and topics such as:  Finding a Job in Your Male-Dominated Field  Getting Promoted in Your Male-Dominated Field

WomenTechWorld.org E-Mentoring  E-Mentors exists to connect female students in technology/trades with women successfully working in male-dominated fields  Women new to traditionally male jobs can find guidance and support from women who have been there

WomenTechWorld.org E-Jobs Connect with employers who are actively seeking female job applicants in typically male-dominated professions. E-Jobs offers you:  Free, current listings in automotive and welding technology  Auto Notify, which gives you notices when new jobs meeting your criteria have been posted  My Checklist feature to save your favorite job opportunities for easy reference

CalWomenTech Project Eight California community colleges receive expert support and technical assistance from the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science to help recruit and retain women in technology programs where they are under-represented.

CalWomenTech Project cont’d  Las Positas College –Automotive and Welding Programs  Evergreen Valley College –Hybrid-Alternative Fuel Program  Irvine Valley College –Electronics Technology Program  San Jose City College –Facilities Maintenance Technology Program

CalWomenTech Project cont’d  City College of San Francisco –DHTI Program  San Diego Mesa College –GIS program  Cañada College –Video Game Design program  El Camino College –Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program

Register Early Automotive and welding technology courses are in high demand. Sign up as soon as registration opens to guarantee your place!