Automotive Service Technology | Riverland Community College Accredited 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Programs to Southern, MN - Riverland

Automotive Service Technology

Why study Automotive at Riverland?

Austin Ford PartnershipRiverland is proud to partner with Austin Ford Chrysler and Ford Automotive for the New Ford Tech | ACE program. This program gives our Automotive Technology students access to certified Ford/Lincoln factory-level training, industry certifications, and expands instruction on a variety of newer vehicle systems and equipment. We are the second institution in Minnesota to receive the New Ford Tech | ACE program and look forward to all the benefits this partnership will bring to our students and their future employers.


Check out the new  2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E all wheel drive and fully electric vehicle that Riverland's students will be able to experience and learn in their program.

Are you looking for a great way to learn about automotive service technology? Look no further than the Automotive Program! This program is perfect for anyone interested in learning about automotive service technology. You’ll learn about everything from fuel systems to electronic engine control diagnosis and drivability.

During your time in the Automotive Program, you’ll receive the advanced training and certification you need to become an ASE-master-certified automotive service technician. Whether you’re looking to get a new job or just want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your car, this program is a must-have. So why not give it a try today?

Students enrolling in the Automotive program will be supplied tools & uniforms at no cost to you. Once you are certain this career is for you, you should purchase your own equipment. Tool List for Automotive Career.

The program is the recipient of a large National Science Foundation grant under their Advanced Technical Education program.

The grant is being used to further enhance the education enrolled students receive.

    What will I study?
  • Automotive Fundamentals
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Brake Systems
  • Electrical/Electronics
  • Wheel Alignment
  • Automotive Welding

 

    Career Outlook

Current Demand

This career is currently in very high demand.

There will be a need for about 4,020 new Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics to meet market demand between 2014-2024. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics often work in the following industries.

  • Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
  • Repair and Maintenance
  • Gasoline Stations
  • Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
  • General Merchandise Stores

 

 

   Program Accreditation

This program is ASE Education Accredited and has strong ties to the industry and their advisory committee.

 

Faculty Highlight
Olle Gladso
Olle.Gladso@riverland.edu   507-379-3347

Olle Gladso
Automotive Service INSTRUCTOR

Olle comes with diverse and varied experience from many different fields which he has incorporated in to his role as facilitator of student learning. He believes that his role is more of a mentor and coach for the students than as a traditional teacher. Having worked in proprietary schools before coming to Riverland, he firmly believes in the community college’s role and function in local communities.

Olle believes that we cannot solve today’s transportation related problems such as resource usage and pollution using yesterday’s technology and is a strong proponent of newer technologies such as electric vehicles. To learn about these newer technologies he has converted an older internal combustion engine vehicle to pure electric propulsion and has other electric vehicle projects in the works.

Being a strong believer in sharing knowledge he has written and co-authored several articles for trade magazines involving unique diagnostic methods and equipment as well as how to effectively and efficiently use them. Following the belief that knowledge should be shared he is a frequent contributor to websites for professional technicians such as IATN (International Automotive Technicians Network).

 

    Program Scholarships

The college offers several scholarships for students to help with the cost of their education.

Guaranteed Transfer Agreement

Institution Award Degree Curriculum Agreement
Minnesota State University - Moorhead BS - Operations Management Download PDF

Last Updated: August 27, 2018

    Quick Facts
  • Diploma
  • 69 Credits | Four Semesters
  • Location: Albert Lea, Online Course(s)
  • Offering: Fall, Spring
  • PRINT PROGRAM SHEET