Moraine Valley is the only institution in Illinois to offer the MOPAR Career Automotive Program (Mopar CAP), providing valuable internship experience and manufacturer-specific training.

Mopar CAP students benefit from real-world "hands-on" experience while working at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, or Maserati dealership. Students can earn an associate degree in automotive technology and a MOPAR CAP diploma.

Mopar CAP students initially earn $10 to $18 per hour during the internship period and complete a minimum of 1,280 internship hours over the two-year program. Pay increases are based on performance and/or seniority. Mopar CAP students are required to complete AUT-233 (Internship Seminar - 1 credit) and AUT-237 (Internship - 3 credits) during the program. Mopar CAP students also earn FCA training credit for manufacturer-specific training courses completed at Moraine Valley.

Upon completion of the program, Mopar CAP graduates earn an associate degree in automotive technology and a Mopar 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.

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Mopar CAP schools nationwide

1,280

Internship hours practiced

Automotive service technicians and mechanics are trained in MOPAR in the following areas:

  • Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
  • Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
  • Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
  • Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 1% from 2021 to 2031.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics

Individuals desiring to enroll in Mopar CAP must first submit a Mopar CAP application form. The application should be submitted no later than May 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll. Shortly after submitting the application, Mopar CAP applicants will be contacted to set up a date/time for an interview. Prior to the interview, Mopar 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 Mopar CAP will then be required to seek sponsorship with a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership. To maintain good standing in the program, Mopar CAP students must continue to maintain employment at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership throughout the program. Mopar CAP students no longer employed at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership will not be allowed to continue in the program.

The cost of the two-year associate degree program at Moraine Valley Community College is approximately $11,000, including tuition, fees, books, and a basic toolset. Mopar 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 2016 costs and is subject to change.

This application is for the Mopar CAP Program. Applicants that are not currently enrolled as a student at Moraine Valley must additionally apply to the college. 

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Career Connections Program

This program qualifies for up to $8,000 in tuition assistance.

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El-Jamah McPherson

"Everything we learn goes right to our work at the dealership. The name, Mopar CAP at Moraine Valley, holds a lot of weight and gets you in the door."

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Aurelio Favela

“What I’ve enjoyed about the program is that you’re given a car you’re going to be working with and that you’ll see at the dealership. A lot of times you’re faced with many obstacles and problems at work and the fact that you might have seen them in the classroom before makes your job that much easier. You know what steps to take.” 

MOPAR CAP Inquiry

For more information, contact Automotive Technology instructor Bob Faoro using the form below.