Passaic County Community College Introduces Automotive Technology Program in Fall 2026
Paterson NJ – Passaic County Community College (PCCC) is excited to announce our new Automotive Technology Program scheduled to begin classes in Fall 2026 in our brand new state-of-the art training facility.
The PCCC Auto Tech Center is equipped with this state-of-the-art tire balancer as well as older tire balancers to address both new and older vehicles.
This new program expands PCCC’s Technical Career programs for the trades, which currently includes Welding and Solar Panel Installation. Also in development is an electrician (Electrical Technology) program that will begin in 2027 or 2028. These programs are all in response to the very high industry demand for well-trained technicians to fill good-paying and advancement-rich jobs.
“It is no longer enough to have the knowledge to build, fabricate, repair and troubleshoot in the trades,” says Dr. Jon Connolly, Dean of Academic Affairs at PCCC.
“Men and women in the trades must stay current with the on-going changes and modernization that are taking over the trades industries and that require continued learning. In automotive, new vehicles have both traditional parts from the past as well as more than 1000 computer chips and dozens of electronic control units that govern the functions of cars. Learning the skills of properly diagnosing problems in a car is the new repair world. It is a technical world.”
Dr. Connolly notes that the possibilities for one’s career are limitless, and making good money is within reach of anyone willing to put in the time and effort. “A degree or credential, from an accredited college, is now the key thing that separates candidates for the best jobs.”
Degree and Certificate Programs
The Automotive Technology Program at PCCC offers both a degree program and a certificate program.
The Career Certificate in Automotive Technology is for those students who wish to pursue a career as an automotive technician and wish to acquire courses that lead to an A.A.S. college degree in Automotive Technology.
The Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology Degree is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians with the necessary skills to acquire entry-level positions in such areas as testing, hydraulic, electrical, and thermodynamic automotive systems. Students who graduate from the program may qualify to acquire a set of automotive tools (a tool set) that will give them an advantage when they seek a job with employers.
Students who successfully complete their program will be prepared for an entry-level job in the automotive industry where salaries can range from $45,350 for automotive technicians to $99,500 for automotive engineers and service writers.
The Auto Tech Center offers five different lifts that each perform a different function.
A student who completes the programs will graduate with approximately $6,000 worth of tools.
Training Facility and Curriculum
Students can expect to gain real-world diagnostic and repair skills in the new state-of-the-art Automotive Technology Center (ATC) that mirrors the hands-on environment of a professional automotive workplace.
To establish the ATC, the College secured a $3.4 million grant through the State of New Jersey Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act. PCCC provided $1.1 million in matching funds for a total project cost of $4.5 million.
Highly experienced professional instructors guide students through the steps of identifying and properly using tools, diagnosing automotive problems, and repairing them with both modern and old-fashioned methods. Students are taught about basic inspections and maintenance, advanced diagnostics, and engine teardowns, engine performance, and complete rebuilds.
Instructor Daniel Lozano explained that the curriculum is aligned with The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards. “Students receive training that goes beyond the basics, reflecting the procedures of real dealership and professional shop environments,” he explained. “This ensures that they learn exactly what the industry expects from entry-level technicians.”
Students will learn to work on both new, advanced cars as well as older models and the ATC will be equipped for both. The ATC features advanced diagnostic equipment, scan tools, lab scopes, and more, all to enable modern diagnostic techniques.
“We train students in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including calibration processes, sensor alignment, and other modern automotive technology,” said Mr. Lozano, “but we also teach the old ways of diagnosing and repairing cars, which is also less expensive.”
The ATC has five unique lifts and a state-of-the art tire balancer equipped with lasers and a camera that can create a 3-D image for enhanced accuracy. Old-fashioned tire balancers will be used for training, as well.
Instruction also emphasizes the safety procedures of a professional shop, including proper handling of materials, recycling and other environmentally conscious procedures.
As with any other college program, students receive lesson plans and when not working hands-on in the shop, they will view instructional videos or study in fully equipped classrooms.
Dr. Connolly noted that for students that qualify, financial aid will cover the cost of the tools. As in the professional world, each technician needs his or her own tools. “By the time students graduate, they will have about $6,000 worth of tools,” said Dr. Connolly. “That will give our students an edge when employers are choosing from candidates to work for them.”
Fall classes begin September 9, 2026. To learn more about Automotive Technology at PCCC and to apply for Fall, visit pccc.edu/automotive
Back to News