Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5306.0
Curriculum Code: 0525
Campus Location: South
Engineering & Technologies Division
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Auto Dealerships, Repair Shops, Garages
Program Description
The MOPAR CAP Program sponsored by Chrysler Corporation combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a local Chrysler dealership. Students in the MOPAR CAP Program gain valuable real-life experience by working as actual employees of a modern automotive dealership service department. Students are paid during the dealership work experience to help offset the cost of attending college. Graduates receive not only an Associate in Applied Science degree from Erie Community College, but also certifications from Chrysler Corporation. These certifications are recognized by Chrysler dealerships across the country.
Department Notes
- Students of the MOPAR CAP Program must be sponsored by a Chrysler dealership. Sponsorships are coordinated with the MOPAR CAP instructors at the college.
- Registration and admission to the MOPAR CAP Program is processed through the South Campus Admissions Office.
- Students must have a valid driver’s license to enroll in the MOPAR CAP Program.
- All automotive students registered in labs will be required to have essential hand tools the first week of lab. The necessary tools will cost the student approximately $1,500-$2,500, depending upon the source of purchase and quality of the tools. A list of the essential tools will be made available upon request.
- Semesters run for 10 weeks, year-round.
Program Competencies
Upon graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology, the graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate appropriate methods of estimating and developing repair order/invoices;
- demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills;
- utilize current technical communication systems in diagnosing and servicing vehicles;
- demonstrate proper use of tools;
- demonstrate proper use of test equipment; and
- interpret manufacturer’s specifications and perform prescribed procedures from manuals for diagnosis and repair of charging, starting, electrical and accessory systems; drive lines, differentials, clutches, manual and automatic transmissions and trans-axles; struts, torsion bars, leaf and coil suspension systems; fuel and emissions systems, computerized engine control systems, air conditioning and heating systems and fuel metering systems (including throttle body injection, port fuel injection and turbo charging).
MOPAR CAP Responsibilities and Placement Policies
The MOPAR Career Automotive Program is designed for students who desire a career as an automotive technician in a franchised automobile dealership environment. MOPAR CAP is a partnership between Erie Community College and regional Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat dealerships. The education and training of MOPAR CAP students involves rotating between 10-week semesters at SUNY Erie and 10-week co-ops at their sponsoring dealerships.
Responsibilities of Student
- possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record that is suitable for the employing dealership’s insurance requirements;
- meet sponsoring dealership hiring requirements which may include submitting to a drug test and/or criminal background check;
- provide sponsoring dealer with responsible and productive employment;
- maintain sponsor relationship with a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram or Fiat dealership;
- be responsible for program costs: tuition, fees and books;
- maintain academic standards and adhere to academic policies;
- possess a set of hand tools as specified by the college; and
- maintain all school requirements to attain an associate degree.
Responsibilities of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram or Fiat Dealers
- become a sponsoring dealer by employing a MOPAR CAP student;
- interview and select prospective student(s);
- appoint an in-dealership coordinator/mentor to assist the MOPAR CAP instructor in planning and monitoring the cooperative work experience;
- establish the MOPAR CAP student as a dealership employee during the co-op period;
- negotiate a wage plan with the student, for the student’s co-op periods;
- provide the MOPAR CAP student with uniforms consistent with other dealership technicians;
- attend MOPAR CAP support events or activities; and
- review and evaluate MOPAR CAP student’s performance each co-op period.
Steps that MOPAR CAP Coordinator will take to qualify potential students:
- maintain and process the candidate applications;
- candidates will be assessed academically based on Math and English placement tests;
- candidate will interview with MOPAR CAP coordinator/instructor to assess mechanical aptitude and ability to meet the MOPAR CAP student responsibilities; and
- ensure candidate has a valid driver’s license and has a driving record that is suitable for the employing dealership’s insurance requirements.
Dealer/Student Placement
Methods used to place students in dealerships vary by location. The following methods have been found successful in placing students in dealerships. MOPAR CAP at SUNY Erie may use any method or combination of the following:
- Direct Dealer Recruitment
Dealers have already identified a candidate to sponsor. Candidate identification can be accomplished by:
- working with the local high school, vocational or co-op program;
- various governmental job-placement offices;
- current employee of the dealership; and
- local dealership recruitment activities, i.e. newspaper, walk-in, radio, etc.
This method has been found to be the most successful in securing long term loyal employees at the dealership (the candidate must meet MOPAR CAP school entry requirements).
- At Dealership Interviews
The candidate will interview with the dealer at the dealership. The MOPAR CAP coordinator will:
- secure a list of dealerships requesting to sponsor candidates.
- secure a list of qualified candidates.
- map out and locate dealers/candidates in a reasonable travel distance.
- supply candidates with a list of locations, contacts, and telephone numbers of dealers.
- supply list of candidates to interested dealers.
- follow-up with candidates.
- follow-up with dealers.
- maintain and update list of qualified candidates.
- record and track dealer/candidates “match ups” as they are confirmed.
Notification of Dealer/Student Acceptance
- Dealership will notify the student and the MOPAR CAP coordinator/instructor of intentions to sponsor the student.
- MOPAR CAP coordinator will contact student to follow up and verify sponsorship of student.
- Student will follow up with sponsoring dealership to finalize the dealerships “new employee” policy.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 74.5
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