The Butte College Automotive Program provides its students with a quality, NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) certified automotive training program. The program gives the student the basic skills needed to start a career in the automotive industry and encourages the life- long learning needed to succeed in the workforce.
The Butte College Automotive Technology Program has two NATEF Certified programs. One is the American Honda PACT program. The PACT program is a partnership with American Honda and Butte College in which the student�s area of study is centered on Honda and Acura vehicles. The CORE program is also NATEF certified but rather than concentrating the studies on a specific manufacturer, the CORE program covers all makes and models. In Fall 2017 we introduced our partnership with Subaru and now offer a second factory alternative for our students. Spring 2019 we rolled out our newest edition, Diesel Technology. This program will cover light and medium duty over the road diesel powered vehicles. Successful completion of our program offers the automotive industry a technician who can perform their job description at or above entry level technician.
Strong Work Force 2020 Purchases:
4 Gas Analyzer from Infrared Industries for $3956.24
Hydraulic Trainer Cabinet from Advanced Technologies Consultant $2481.77
Air Dryer for Dump Truck from Capital Clutch for $476.67
Added needed training aids to Diesel Technology Program
CARES 2020 Purchases:
Electro Trainer Boards from Idaho Instruments $7980
Honda, Subaru Trainer Boards from Klein $18900
Rolling TV with Connections from Diversified $5066.76
Carts for Lab cleaning Supplies from Grainger for $630.88
Carts for Moving Electrotrainers from Grainger for $504.04
Steering Wheel Covers from Grainger for $72.42
Plug Strips from Grainger for $250.6
Fluke 115 DMM from Grainger for $1895.7
Robinair… ROBLD7 from Grainger for $774.06
Mastercool… MSC55900 from Grainger for $242.23
Non-Contact Thermometers from Grainger for $272.68
Battery/Charging Tester from Snap On for $16826.35
ACT825 (Tracerline… HBFTP9364) from Snap On for $623.54
Diesel Tools 10 from setsSnap On for $31000
Video Cameras for Mobile TV from B&H for $732.39
Tripods for cameras from B&H for $179.88
Helped facilitate social distancing due to COVID19
Referee 2020 Purchases:
Forklift Charger from Crown for $2029.63
Hand tools (wrenches and sockets) from ToolTopia for $779.70
3 instructor Laptops and 2 monitors from Dell for $5871.28
Replaced needed student tools and batteries in shop forklift.
Findings: Try as we might, web-based interactive hands on training in NOT hands on. Students did not like it or meet our expectations. Strategies: We hope we can return to Face to Face soon. Students as well as our industry partners demand it. This area of study cannot be effectively taught in an on- line modality. Resources Needed: More training aids needed to keep social distance in labs.
At 62.6% Focused Persistence for is at the high end of its four-year range (48% - 62.6%). The Job Placement Rate for this program is at 73%. This rate is based on data match with the Employment Development Department that is derived The Job Placement Rate for this program is at 73%. This rate is based on data match with the Employment Development Department that is derived from unemployment insurance data. This may result in self-employed graduates not being matched. Note: The data clearly shows that this is a great program that is improving in its new facility.
Reorganizing program to reduce units and time spent getting COA.
1. Implementing AB 705 Scheduling classes so students can complete the Auto Program and have time to complete required GE classes to achieve an AS. 2. Implementing Guided Pathways a. Strategic Scheduling b. Hobsons Starfish Developed a clear pathway through the program to get AS or COA.
3. Closing Equity Gaps Recognizing our POC students and implementing strategies to foster student success. 4. Meeting enrollment targets Outreach and advertising in attempt to grow program. 5. Meeting student achievement goals Working with industry partners (advisory Group) to ensure curriculum aligns with industry needs. 6. Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness Building a strong sense of “community” within the program. Both students and faculty. 7. Improving Processes a. Data and Reporting b. Internal Communications Currently working with Institutional Effectiveness to develop real-time factual data regarding student success and job placement. 8. Strengthening Professional Development Yearly training through Pro Dev and industry training.
IMPLEMENTED RECOMMENDATIONS
Build out the 6000sqFt - With the passage of Measure J the Automotive program is actively pursuing approval for funding the completion of the 6000 sq. ft. undeveloped area at the Skyway Center. The build out will fulfill our commitment to providing training needed in industry. As recommended by our advisory committee members, a diesel technology class is missing from our program and without expanding our footprint we can’t offer any more classes or increase class size to reduce the wait list.
Additional Full Time Faculty - The validation team recommends hiring two full-time faculty members who would reduce current overloads, allow for the department to offer an accelerated schedule reducing student’s time in the program from 2.5 semesters to 2 semesters, provide for additional student advising support, and allow for the incorporation of a full fledge alternative fuels program. This class could generate additional revenue if built in collaboration with Contract Education. In Fall 2015 one additional Full-Time faculty member was added. While the new faculty member did allow for the addition of the alternative fuel class, it did not reduce overload or increase student to instructor contact in the lab.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED
Hire Lab Assistant - Two (2) full time instructors are needed to cover the Diesel Technology Class and work as a lab assistant, the second instructor would also work as a lab assistant and teach existing classes thus relieving instructor overload.
The department is working to reorganize the program. We are modifying the course offerings to ensure that each semester students can meet 12 units, modify hours so associate faculty can instruct if needed and streamline the program so completion is a flat 2 years. These changes are caused by the loss of 2 FT faculty members, cost cutting by the college and the want to provide a quality program in challenging financial times.
Update security cameras and fencing to help prevent vehicle vandalism.
Strategy 1 - Support Industry Partner Coordinator
Subaru U Coordinator
Our partnership with American Honda has proven to be a draw for our automotive program. Recently we have added a partnership with Subaru Of America (SOA). Thus far, SOA has donated over $200,000 in diagnostic equipment, training aids and vehicles to your program. Currently we have graduated 6 students from that partnership program, and all are working full time at dealerships. The Department Chair currently is tasked with maintaining and promoting this program. The responsibilities of managing the department, teaching overload and the Subaru U partnership is proving to be too much. To maintain this partnership and prevent its loss a coordinator, much like the PACT coordinator is needed. This partnership provides a career pathway for students wanting to work in a Subaru dealership. To maintain these partnerships, create and maintain relationships with employers and support the students transition from school to the workforce a Subaru u Coordinator is needed. The coordinator must visit the students and service managers in our service areas and that includes Redding in the north and Davis to the south. The coordinator must also ensure the currency of faculty and coordinate factory training as needed. The department asks for the development of the position and reassign time for the Subaru U Coordinator be 20% and the stipend of $6,622.12 become part of the annual Automotivebudget.
Strategy 2 - Diesel Technology Program
Foster and Grow the Diesel Technology Program
Even though the Diesel Technology Program has suffered through Camp Fire challenges, COVID 19 challenges, it continues to grow. As the program grows, the need for training aids specific to the program are needed. With the social distancing needed to instruct F2F and even after that subsides a dump truck is needed for a training aid. Currently we burrow one from the HEO program on campus, but we are limited with time and what we can do mechanically to the truck. We are currently looking for a solution and can move forward if funding is available.
Strategy 3 - Increase Department Chair to Chair II
Increase Department Chair to level II.
The last program review in 2014 recommended that the Department Chair be increased from its current level. In the years that followed, the program has grown with the addition of the Alternative Fuels class and its instructor, a partnership with Subaru of America and now the Diesel Program. With all that the Chair is still teaching in overload, responsible for the Subaru partnership and mentoring the new instructors. Additional reassign time is needed to perform the duties expected to the level that is expected by the college. The department asks the chair position to be increased to Chair II.
Strategy 4 - Maintain a Professional Looking Facility
Replace flooring in classrooms and lab. Paint Classrooms
Flooring in the classrooms were "value engineered" during the remodel of the Skyway Center. Paint was applied to the floors and it is now peeling up creating a very unsightly and unprofessional look. In the shop area the floors were sealed but the slip hazard that comes with the work being performed has never been addressed. The department would like a non-slip sealant added to the shop floors and flooring added to the classrooms to eliminate the peeling paint. Our partnerships wiht Subaru and Honda ask that factory color schemes be applied to lecture rooms. The paint is starting to show wear and needs re painted. When the painting is done, we ask that SC112 represent Honda PACT and 103 represent Subaru.
Strategy 5 - Hire 1 FT Faculty Member
The department has/will be short two full time faculty members as of May 2021. One to retirement and one to an unexpected death. To continue to deliver a quality automotive and diesel program, the department needs to replace on FT Faculty member at a minimum.
There are very few associate faculty members that can instruct during the day as those with the correct qualifications have FT jobs. We CAN NOT rely on associate faculty to teach the needed classes. If we rely on existing FT faculty, time to completion will increase as will instructor overload.
Strategy 6 - Reorganize Program Offerings
The department is working to reorganize the program. We are modifying the course offerings to ensure that each semester students can meet 12 units, modify hours so associate faculty can instruct if needed and streamline the program so completion is a flat 2 years. These changes are caused by the loss of 2 FT faculty members, cost cutting by the college and the want to provide a quality program in challenging financial times.
This must be done to keep the program sustainable.
Strategy 7 - Update Facility Security
Fleet vehicles are incuring damage due to vandalism. Current security cameras do not work and fence does not prevent entry. Both need updated.
Homeless individuals are damaging fleet cars in the attempt to take them. Cameras do not record and fence is easily scaled. We need good cameras that work and razor wire on top of the fence.
Strategy 8 - Classroom AV Update
The AV & computing equipment SC128,112 and 103 are outdated and will not run current programs & equipment.
In the classroom setting, it's critical that the instructor can show the intricate parts of vehicles and demonstrate the various software used in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. The equipment in the classroom is original to the building and in SC103, it's left over from the Automotive Facility on main campus...it was old then. The 3 classrooms need updated to current specifications found elsewhere on campus.
CAP Program
Butte College houses the (Smog Referee Station) California Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) on a long-term lease which generates $12,000 annually.
Strong Work Force (SWF)
$6914.68
CARES Funding
$85951.53
2017/2018 American Honda Contributions:
2 new cars $44,500
| Original Priority | Program, Unit, Area | Resource Type | Account Number | Object Code | One Time Augment | Ongoing Augment |
| Description | Supporting Rationale | Potential Alternative Funding Sources | Prioritization Criteria | |||
| 1 | Automotive Technology | Personnel | $120,000.00 | $120,000.00 | ||
| Replace FT Faculty | The department will be short 2 FT faculty members as of May 21. One FT faculty replacement is needed to keep from extending the time of completion for students. |
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| 2 | Automotive Technology | Facilities | $100,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Update Security | Fleet cars are getting vandalized. Security needs to be updated and area secured. |
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| 3 | Automotive | Facilities | $8,723,681.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Update AV & Computers in SC112, SC103 & SC128 | In the classroom setting, it's critical that the instructor can show the intricate parts of vehicles and demonstrate the various software used in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. The equipment in the classroom is original to the building and in SC103, it's left over from the Automotive Facility on main campus...it was old then. The 3 classrooms need updated to current specifications found elsewhere on campus. Computers alone=$1867.69 Podiums with all the gear in them=$66941.57 New widescreen projector screens and mounts=$1195.57 Digital laser projectors and mounts=$4948.84 New wall and ceiling speakers=$1776.04 New LCD TV�s for both classrooms (6 for 112 and 4 for 128 with 1 spare for each classroom)=$10507.23 |
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| 4 | Automotive | Operating Expenses | $0.00 | $1,775.00 | ||
| Increase position to Chair II | The last program review in 2014 recommended that the Department Chair be increased from its current level. In the years that followed, the program has grown with the addition of the Alternative Fuels class and its instructor, a partnership with Subaru of America and now the Diesel Program. With all that the Chair is still teaching in overload, responsible for the Subaru partnership and mentoring the new instructors. Additional reassign time is needed to perform the duties expected to the level that is expected by the college. The department asks the chair position be increased to be Chair II. |
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| 5 | Automotive | Personnel | 110005161094800 | 51240 | $0.00 | $6,787.00 |
| Reassign time and stipend for Subaru U Coordinator | Our partnership with American Honda has proven to be a draw for our automotive program. Recently we have added a partnership with Subaru Of America (SOA). Thus far, SOA has donated over $200,000 in diagnostic equipment, training aids and vehicles to your program. Currently we have graduated 6 students from that partnership program, and all are working full time at dealerships. The Department Chair currently is tasked with maintaining and promoting this program. The responsibilities of managing the department, teaching overload and the Subaru U partnership is proving to be too much. To maintain this partnership and prevent its loss a coordinator, much like the PACT coordinator is needed. This partnership provides a career pathway for students wanting to work in a Subaru dealership. To maintain these partnerships, create and maintain relationships with employers and support the students transition from school to the workforce a Subaru u Coordinator is needed. The coordinator must visit the students and service managers in our service areas and that includes Redding in the north and Davis to the south. The coordinator must also ensure the currency of faculty and coordinate factory training as needed. The department asks for the development of the position and reassign time for the Subaru U Coordinator be 20% and the stipend of $6,622.12 become part of the annual Automotive budget or funded by Perkins Funds. |
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| 6 | Diesel Technology | Equipment | $25,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Dump Truck | A dump truck is needed as a training aid. |
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| 7 | Automotive | Facilities | $5,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Paint Interior Walls | Per our contract with industry partners, one classroom should be dedicated to the respective program and represent its colors. Due to heavy-year round utilization, the original paint is getting soiled. The program need to paint SC128 with Honda PACT colors and SC112 with Subaru USA colors. Also floors need resurfaced with nonslip coating. |
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