Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis opens new $14 million Automotive Technology Center

Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis has officially opened the doors of its new $14 million, 59,000-square-foot Automotive Technology Center.

“Our new center will bring about new opportunities in technology, partnerships, and experiences that up until now have been quite limited,” said Steven Bardonner, dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. 

Automotive Technology students will learn the technological skills needed for today’s industry in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, including corporate labs for GM ASEP and Toyota T-TEN. They receive training in a variety of areas of expertise, including electrical systems, engine performance, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension systems, air conditioning and engine repair.

Today, Ivy Tech Indianapolis has nearly 300 students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program and hopes to double enrollment with this new center.

“Locally in Indianapolis, graduates of the Toyota T-TEN and GM ASEP programs often earn $40,000 to $70,000 per year ($20 – $38 per hour), with the potential to earn more as you advance in your career,” said Jeff Evans, Automotive Technology program chair. “They land a variety of jobs such as technicians, service writers and service managers in dealerships, independent repair shops and part stores.”

The program offers paid cooperative education opportunities, with a 100 percent job placement for those who meet industry eligibility requirements. Classes are taught by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master certified instructors using more than 100 training vehicles to help students build career advancement skills and explore manufacturer-specific diagnostic service tools and information.

Students can earn an array of credentials, including certificates and technical certificates in as little as two to three semesters, or an associate of applied science degree in as little as five semesters. They are also prepared to take and successfully pass the ASE Technician Certification exam and land a variety of jobs, the college said.

"Students who complete the automotive program should have no trouble finding a job as a technician, service writer or even a service manager at dealerships, independent repair shops, parts stores or even start their own business," according to the college's website. "Our graduates are currently working as auto body technicians, diesel mechanics, and even farm equipment technicians."