The auto shop

The Yuba College Automotive Tech Program provides a service for our community that is easy to find almost anywhere else in the whole of Yuba County. So why, you may ask , would you as a customer choose Yuba College Automotive as the place to have your car , truck, or SUV repaired or serviced? Of course the obvious reason comes to mind, first. All work is done for the cost of parts only! Labor is paid for by donation.

According to Professor Don Schumacher, who also teaches auto body repair, the average donation varies “depending on the scope of the job.” It can be between $20 and $100 for most repairs provided. Work is done on location strictly by the students, themselves. It’s pretty easy,really. I scheduled my own Nissan Pathfinder for service. It needs a new pair of struts, badly. Lisa Boggs, a nice young lady working behind the counter offered to help me right away. She said, “Just bring it in on Monday or Wednesday. Bring the struts or we can order them. You can bring it in on Monday or Wednesday.” Wheel alignments are also available at the automotive bay. The automotive facility is kept in immaculate condition and is well organized.

The Yuba College 2012-2013 Course Catalog details the requirements necessary for students to achieve their degrees in auto technology. The list of classes is quite impressive. At first glance, one can easily gain the assurance and confidence that these students have the technical capabilities to do the job properly. Currently, there are 22 students staffing a very impressive, fully equipped facility. The Automotive Technology Program is designed to provide students with the qualifications needed to fill entry-level positions in the automotive and other related repair fields. The Certificate program also provides additional training for those already employed who desire to improve their skills and abilities. These programs can be completed in one or more semesters. The graduation rate of these student techs is 70-80% compared to the standard graduation rate of all students at 19%, this is phenomenal. Full time transfer rates to state universities are also much higher than the average.

I spoke with Junio Leal, a graduate of the program about his experience. Leal had this to say, “The experience I liked the best from automotive was getting to know that there are different views of people out there, besides agreeing with my own personal opinion. People are outspoken and not afraid to get their opinion across.” When asked the Automotive Technology Program has done for him and what his future plans may be, Leal said, “The skills I obtained there are more of collaborating with others as a team and using efficient communicating skills. Having efficient communication skills and collaborating with others will help me in the future, for future classes and my own business.” When asked what these skills What I look forward to do in the future with the skills I have obtained is continue going to school, therefore getting my certificate to become certified and possibly do side jobs with it, while I am attending Sacramento State University to get a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive.” Mr. Leal also works in the school library. So, keep him in mind for all your future automotive needs. He is a hard working young man with a very bright future.

Many of these students are now working in our local community at automotive repair shops, auto body shops and auto parts stores. So take advantage of the best priced professional automotive service you can find now before you have to pay full cost for the same thing later. Most customers are served by appointment although walk ins are also acceptable, time permitting. In order to fully appreciate the quality and cleanliness of the Yuba College automotive garage, you must see it for yourself. Access is easy, at the east end of the college grounds . The driveway between the east parking lot and the bus stop. The address is Yuba College Bldg. 600, 2088 N.Beale Rd., Marysville, Ca. 95901