General Information On Chrysler College Automotive Program
The Chrysler College Automotive Program (CAP) is a two-year automotive program designed to upgrade the technical competence and professional level of the incoming dealership technician. The curriculum is designed by Chrysler and San Jacinto College and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. The program involves not only attending classroom lecture and laboratory on Chrysler products at San Jacinto College, but requires the student to also work at a Chrysler dealership.
The total program lasts about 78 weeks with approximately 40.5 weeks spent at San Jacinto College and the remaining 37.5 weeks spent in a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep sponsoring dealership. For example, the first semester involves 8 weeks at San Jacinto College followed by 8 weeks work experience at the dealership. After the dealer work experience is completed, the student returns to San Jacinto College for another 8 weeks of courses, followed by 8 more weeks at the dealership. The summer semester consists of 5 weeks of classroom work and 5 weeks of work experience at the dealership. The work experience at the dealership relates as much as possible to the course work just completed at San Jacinto College.
Since considerable time is spent at the dealership, it is a requirement of the program for the student to have a sponsoring Chrysler dealer. The main responsibility for the dealership is to provide employment for the student during all his/her work experience periods. Although it is not a requirement of the program, the student may also work part-time at the dealership while attending classes, providing it does not interfere with his/her studies.
Refer to the cost link for an approximate cost of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, books and cost of hand tools. An in-district and out-of-district fee schedule is included. Texas residents residing outside of the San Jacinto College District must pay out-of-district fees. Out-of-state or non-U.S. citizen fees are listed in the current college catalog.
In addition to the tuition, registration fees, lab fees and textbook costs, the student is also required to purchase a prescribed basic hand-tool set if he does not already have one. The students can select any quality brand tools. Assistance in obtaining an educational discount may be arranged for the most popular brands. Special tools and equipment are provided by the college.
Since the student earns while he/she learns, a considerable portion of the cost involved in the program is offset.
Obviously, the program requires much effort on the part of the student. Equal consideration must be given to the academic support courses as to the Automotive Technology courses. The efforts are worth the benefits. The skill, knowledge, and potential of those who complete the program are far superior to most other automotive programs. The balance of qualities obtained forms a basis for development and progress within the dealer’s organization.
Dealers who have participated in CAP find that their students begin pulling their own weight and earning their way in the dealership in their second semester.
The sophistication, professionalism, and competence required in today’s automotive service field certainly demands such a program.
NOTE: Graduates should have taken all four (8) ASE tests by the end of May of their second year.