(Photo by: Jasmine Mills)

At JCCC, students facing car troubles could have a cost-effective solution thanks to the college’s Automotive Department. This valuable service allows students to submit their vehicles for repairs with possible reduced costs, all while benefiting Automotive Technology students by giving them hands-on experience.

The services available to students offer a wide range of issues, from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs such as engine diagnostics and brake repairs. These services are provided by students who are actively enrolled in the Automotive Technology program under the supervision of experienced instructors.

This arrangement not only helps students keep their vehicles running smoothly, but also provides the Automotive Technology students with real-world, practical experience. It’s a win- win situation that benefits both the college community and the future mechanics who are learning the trade.

How It Works:

The repairs are performed during the regular class hours of the Automotive Department, which operates in a real-world, shop-like environment. The students involved in these repair services are fully supervised by licensed professionals, ensuring that the work meets the industry’s high standards. The hands-on nature of the program also means that students are involved in every aspect of the repair process, from diagnostics to the actual labor.

Students can take advantage of this service by submitting a request for repairs through the Automotive Department’s dedicated intake process. While the department cannot handle every car issue—especially highly specialized repairs or newer model vehicles that require specific tools—students are encouraged to reach out with inquiries about the types of repairs that can be handled.

How to Submit Your Vehicle for Repair:

If you’re a student at JCCC and need a repair, the process to submit your vehicle is simple.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Contact the Automotive Department: Reach out to the department by email to inquire about submitting your vehicle for repairs. The contact information can be found on the JCCC website or by visiting the Automotive Technology program’s page.

2. Schedule an Appointment: After contacting the department, you’ll be able to schedule a time at which you can have your vehicle begin getting repairs. It’s important to note that repair services may take longer than if you went to a different shop, as newer students are taking the time to learn. It’s important for them to learn from these experiences and make sure they didn’t miss anything crucial in their repairs, instead of being rushed.

3. Drop Off Your Vehicle and Parts: On the scheduled day, drop off your vehicle and possible parts needed at the Automotive Department’s service area in the Automotive Lab on campus. Be sure to provide the details of the repairs needed, as well as any other relevant information about the vehicle’s issues.

4. Repairs in Progress: During the repair process, you can rest assured that your car is being worked on by students who are being closely supervised by instructors with years of professional experience in the automotive field.

5. Pick Up Your Vehicle: Once the repairs are completed, you will be notified, and you can pick up your car at the agreed-upon time.

Benefits for Students and Future Mechanics:

This initiative provides not only a financial benefit for JCCC students who need car repairs, but also a unique learning opportunity for Automotive Technology students. By performing actual repairs on real cars, students gain invaluable skills that prepare them for their careers in the automotive industry. 

“As for as why we started doing it or why we do it, it’s to give our students an opportunity to work on additional tasks aside from using our fleet of training vehicles,” Jack Ireland, head of the Automotive Technology department said. 

The program aligns with the department’s mission of providing high-quality, hands-on training for students while also offering affordable, quality services to the campus community. So, make sure to check out the Automotive Department at JCCC.

For more details on how to get your vehicle repaired or to submit a request for service, visit the Automotive Technology department’s page on the JCCC website, or stop by the department’s office and email one of the instructors for the automotive courses.