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Chrysler/Cerritos College
College Automotive Program
The College Automotive Program (CAP) is a two-year automotive program designed to upgrade
the technical competency and professionalism of the incoming dealership technician. The curriculum is
designed by Chrysler Corporation and Cerritos College, and leads to an Associate of Arts Degree. The
program involves not only attending classroom lecture and laboratory on Chrysler products at Cerritos,
but requires the student to work at a Chrysler Corporation dealership.
The total program lasts about two years, with approximately half of the time spent at Cerritos
College and the remaining time spent with paid work experience at a sponsoring dealership. Each
specialized subject is dealt with in the classroom and the laboratory on campus for a number of weeks,
and is then followed by related paid work experience at the dealership. For example, the first semester
involves 9 weeks at Cerritos followed by 9 weeks of paid work experience at the dealership. After the
dealership work experience is completed, the student returns to Cerritos for another 9 weeks of
courses, followed by 9 more weeks at the dealership. This rotation system continues until the
completion of the program. The work experience at the dealership relates as much as possible to the
course work just completed at Cerritos. CAP classes begin Fall Semester and selection of students
begins early in the calendar year.
All tuition fees and textbook costs are the responsibility of the student. The cost is approximately
$2,000 for fees and $1,200 for books for the full program. Non-resident students (out of state) check
with the admissions office for fees. In addition to the fees and textbook costs, the student is required to
purchase a prescribed basic hand tool set if he/she does not already have one. The initial cost of the
total set is approximately $750 with an additional cost of about $400 to upgrade, as the program goes
on. The students can select any brand of tools and assistance in obtaining an educational discount
may be arranged for most brands. Check with your sponsor and the college before purchasing tools.
Since the student earns while he/she learns, a considerable portion of the costs involved in the
program are offset.
Obviously, the program requires much effort on the part of the student. The efforts are worth the
benefits. The skills, knowledge, and potential of those who complete the program are far superior to
most automotive programs. The balance of qualities obtained forms a basis for development and
progress with the dealer’s organization.
Remember, CAP helps dealers train their future technicians.
That could be you!
This Cooperative Training Program is allowed by Education Code 55252, Alternate Work Experience.
Table of Contents
College Automotive Program ...................................................................................................... 2
Application Procedure Check List ............................................................................................... 3
CAP Two-Year Schedule ............................................................................................................ 4
Responsibilities for Participants .................................................................................................. 5
Uniform Requirement .................................................................................................................. 6
Student Tool List ......................................................................................................................... 7
Dealer Approval Form ................................................................................................................. 8
Cerritos College Map .................................................................................................................. 9
Student Application ................................................................................................................... 10
