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Mopar CAP Program
Associate in Applied Science
64 credit hours
Curriculum code 1277
Mopar
College Automotive Program (CAP)
The College Automotive Program (CAP) at
Moraine Valley Community College provides valuable internship experience and
manufacturer-specific training. CAP students benefit from real-world "hands-on"
experience while working at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership. CAP students
earn wages during the internship period and complete a minimum of 1,280
internship hours over the two-year program. CAP students are required to
complete AUT-233 (Internship Seminar - 1 credit) and AUT-237 (Internship - 3
credits) during the program. CAP students also earn Chrysler training
credit for manufacturer-specific training courses completed at Moraine Valley.
Upon completion of the program, CAP graduates earn an associate's degree in
automotive technology and a Chrysler CAP diploma. Class size is limited
to maintain a good instructor-to-student ratio, and the program begins once a
year during the fall semester.
Admissions—Individuals desiring to enroll in CAP must first submit a CAP
application form. This can be accomplished online by visiting
www.morainevalley.edu/automotive/cap_application.htm. The application should
be submitted no later than May 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll.
Shortly after submitting the application, CAP applicants will be contacted to
set up a date/time for an interview. Prior to the interview, CAP applicants will
be required to prove that they are prepared to take college-level English
(COM-101) and MTH-095 (Beginning Algebra) or higher by taking the college's
placement tests, or provide proof that they scored a 20 or higher on their ACTs,
or provide transcripts from another college or university. Once interviewed,
applicants will be apprised of their status.
Individuals accepted
into CAP will then be required to seek sponsorship with a Chrysler, Dodge or
Jeep dealership. Only those individuals that have been accepted into CAP, and
have secured a sponsoring dealer will be allowed to start the program. To
maintain good standing in the program, CAP students must continue to maintain
employment at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership throughout the program. CAP
students no longer employed at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership will not be
allowed to continue in the program.
Earnings—CAP students initially earn $8 to $12 per hour while working at
the dealer. Pay increases are based on performance and/or seniority. It should
be noted that "Master Technicians" with five or more years of experience can
earn $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Currently in the Chicagoland area, the median
wage for automobile technicians is $17.20 per hour.
Nature of Work—Working in a dealership service department, automobile
technicians perform basic maintenance, diagnostic and repair procedures on cars
and light trucks.
Working Conditions—The majority of dealership automotive technicians work
a standard 40-hour week. Some may work late afternoons or early evenings and
possibly Saturdays as more service departments extend their hours of operation.
Generally, service technicians work indoors in well lighted and ventilated
repair facilities.
Related Job Titles—Apprentice Technician, Journeyman Technician
Job Outlook—Job opportunities in this occupation are expected to be very
good for persons who complete automotive training programs, especially programs
that feature manufacturer-specific training. A person with good diagnostic
skills will have the best opportunities. For well-prepared people with a
technical background, automotive technician careers offer an excellent
opportunity for good pay and benefits. However, persons without formal training
are likely to face formidable competition for entry-level jobs.
Your Investment—The cost of the two-year associate's degree program at
Moraine Valley Community College is approximately $7,000, including tuition,
fees, books, and a basic tool set. CAP students who reside outside of Moraine
Valley Community College's district receive a waiver that allows them to pay
in-district fees. The price is based on 2006 costs and is subject to change.
Bonus Incentive—CAP students also may be eligible for the Bonus Incentive
Fund. This bonus, paid by some dealerships, compensates students based on the
number of hours worked, according to terms of their dealer/student contract.
Flexible Sponsorship—The CAP student and their sponsoring dealer can
choose from a number of options. The CAP Contract, which the dealer and CAP
student formulate together, provides the details. Some dealers provide the CAP
student with up to 50 percent tuition reimbursement.
Course Requirements—Each student is required to obtain a basic set of
tools and safety equipment to participate in laboratory work and perform work at
the dealer. A list of required tools will be furnished upon request. Start-up
cost for these tools ranges from approximately $200 to $500. Students will be
expected to add to their tool set as they progress in the program.
For job listing and job placement assistance, contact the
Job Resource Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904,
(708) 974-5737.
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