Automotive & Diesel Program Details

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as an ASEP student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admissions and return it to the Admissions office. Call 515-964-6545 for application materials.

• All prospective ASEP candidates must successfully complete the minimum test scores before they can be accepted into the ASEP program. Contact the Assessment Center at the Ankeny Campus at 515-964-6595 to schedule your testing appointment.

• Once you've completed the pre-acceptance tests, schedule a personal interview with the ASEP Program Chairperson, or faculty member. At the interview you will go over your test scores, program requirements, the Candidate Information Form, the internship forms, and your goals as an ASEP student at DMACC and in a GM dealership or PCS shop.

• Schedule an appointment for an interview with a dealer or service manager in your participating GM dealership. Take the Candidate Information Form to your interview. It is the student's responsibility to locate his/her own employer, and you must be employed by a GM dealership or PCS shop to be in the ASEP program. Students experiencing difficulty in locating an employer should contact the ASEP Program Chairperson.

• After a dealer agrees to employ you, return the completed Employment Agreement Form to the ASEP Program Chair.

• Students will receive a letter of acceptance to the college after all pre-acceptance requirements are complete. You will then be notified as to the date of registration for classes.

The (Automotive Service Education Program) ASEP program is a partnership program between DMACC and General Motors. It is designed to train and employ the industry's best automotive technicians.​

• ​Program Manual
• General Motors Website
• GM ASEP National Website
• GM Training Center - Des Moines

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as a Ford ASSET student at DMACC. Check off as each step is finished. Act promptly! Although the classes will not begin until Fall semester, we expect all seats in the class to be filled quickly.

• DMACC/Ford ASSET Application for Admission. Complete a DMACC application for admission online.
• Personal Interview with the Ford ASSET Instructor. Call for an appointment for a personal interview with the Ford ASSET Instructor once you have successfully completed the pre-acceptance tests. The instructor will explain the Ford ASSET program, let you know what your responsibilities are as a Ford ASSET student, and give you suggestions regarding finding a dealer sponsor. Students should bring a completed Candidate Int​erview Form to the interview. (If scores are not acceptable, you will be able to set up a time to retest.)
• Dealer Interviews. An appointment for an interview should be scheduled with interested dealers or service managers at a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Each student is required to be sponsored by a Ford or Lincoln dealership and IT IS THE PROSPECTIVE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO LOCATE HIS/HER OWN SPONSOR. Students can find a dealership anywhere in the state of Iowa or surrounding states. Once a dealer sponsor has been secured, return the Candidate Sponsorship Agreement Form to the Ford ASSET instructor. 
• Final Acceptance and DMACC Registration. Students will receive a letter of acceptance shortly after the college and dealership agree that the applicant has successfully completed all pre-acceptance requirements of the program.
• DMACC Registration. Register for Ford ASSET classes at DMACC.

Finding a Sponsor

NOTE: APPLICANTS MAY INTERVIEW WITH ANY DEALERSHIP AFTER THEY HAVE SUCCESSFULLY TESTED AND INTERVIEWED WITH THE FORD ASSET INSTRUCTOR. However, acceptance into the program only comes after all assessments, applications and dealer sponsorship forms have been approved by Ford Motor Company.

Key points to remember:

• Ford dealerships are independent businesses - they are not employees of Ford Motor Co. When looking for a sponsor, you are looking for a job.
• DMACC and the Ford Training Center will provide assistance in giving guidance and identifying interested dealerships.
• BUT - Sponsors are not assigned.
• A Ford ASSET student will be an employee and a student, although the two should never conflict.
• Some dealers may choose not to participate.
• THE INTERVIEW - Call ahead for an appointment before you make a personal contact.
  • Be Prepared:
    • Clean
    • Neat
    • Confident of goals and skills
    • Complete the Ford ASSET Candidate Interview Form as neatly as possible before the interview, i.e. high school transcripts, reference letters, etc.
  • Your first priority should be convincing the dealer that you will make a good employee.
  • Applicants may speak to the Dealer (owner), General Manager or Service Manager.
  • If you aren't sure who to see, ask for the Dealer first, then the Service Manager.

Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't result in finding a dealership to sponsor you.

• Ford Motor Company Website
• National Ford ASSET Website

• Required Tool List

The auto collision diploma prepares graduates for employment in the high-demand field of collision repair. Our diploma program trains students with the basic skills needed to have a successful career and enjoy high earning potential with jobs related to estimating, collision repair, refinishing, paint correction, and detailing.

To earn an Automotive Collision Technology diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as an Automotive Collision Technology student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admission.
• Satisfy the assessment requirement.
• Attend any required information/registration sessions.

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as an Automotive Mechanics Technology student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admission.
• Satisfy the assessment requirement.
• Attend any required information/registration sessions.

The Auto Mechanics Technology, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program prepares students for steady employment, professional growth and personal satisfaction. This program educates students who are new to the automotive field and provides updates to those already employed in the industry.

The Automotive industry continues to evolve with the advancements in technology. The Auto Mechanics Technology, AAS program is a comprehensive training program designed to cover all aspects of automotive repair, which includes engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drivetrain and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.

Graduates with an AAS degree find employment in dealerships, independent service facilities, corporate repair facilities and automotive parts establishments. Our graduates are employed as automotive technicians, insurance claims adjusters, automotive instructors, parts specialists, and repair technicians in related fields.

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as a MOPAR CAP student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admissions and return it to the Admissions Office. Call 515-964-6891 for application materials.
• All prospective MOPAR CAP candidates are required to meet total minimum test scores of 194 before they can be accepted into the MOPAR CAP program. See the Student Information and Assessment Results Form. Please call the Assessment Center on the Ankeny Campus at 515-964-6595 to schedule your testing appointment.
• Once you've completed the pre-acceptance tests, schedule a personal interview with the MOPAR CAP Program Chairperson, or faculty member. At the interview, you will go over your test scores, program requirements, the Candidate Information Form, internship forms, and your goals as a MOPAR CAP student at DMACC and in a Chrysler dealership.
• Schedule an appointment for an interview with a dealer or service manager in a participating FCA US LLC dealership. Take the Candidate Information Form to your interview. It is the student's responsibility to locate his/her own employer, and you musts be employed by a FCA US LLC dealership to be in the MOPAR CAP program. Students experiencing difficulty in locating an employer should contact the MOPAR CAP Program Chairperson.
• After a dealer agrees to employ you, bring the completed Employment Agreement Form to the MOPAR CAP Program Chairperson.
• Students will receive a letter of acceptance to the college after all pre-acceptance requirements are complete. You will then be notified as to the date of registration for classes.

The CAP program is a partnership program between DMACC and FCA. It is designed to train and employ the industry's best automotive technicians.

• Paid work experience at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership
• Two-year Associate in Applied Science degree
• Financial aid and scholarships available to those who qualify
• Nationwide participation
• Upon graduation, students will earn extensive FCA US LLC Academy training
• Guaranteed job with good performance
• CAP Program Manual
• MOPAR CAP Website

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as a Diesel Technology student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admission.
• Satisfy the assessment requirement.
• Attend any required information/registration sessions.

After completing the Diesel Technology program, you'll be prepared for a career in diesel repair. Here are some examples of the type of work that you'll do:

• Diagnose mechanical & functional failures
• Remove, repair, and install various components from diesel equipment
• Diagnose and repair electrical and hydraulic systems
• Make recommendations concerning the repair and maintenance of machinery
• Modify existing machinery to improve or adapt from its original design
• Order parts and submit repair bills and estimates for repair of machinery
• Use special tools and equipment to diagnose the condition of machines, systems, and components
• Plan and organize work requested to repair a machine
• Use computer to retrieve information and service equipment

• Required Tool List

These are the procedures an applicant must successfully complete to become accepted as a PACT student. Check off each step when completed.

• Complete the DMACC Application for Admissions. Call 515-964-6545 for application materials if you do not wish to apply online.

• All prospective PACT candidates must successfully complete the minimum test scores before they can be accepted into the PACT program. Contact the Assessment Center at the Ankeny Campus at 515-964-6595 to schedule your testing appointment.

• Once you've completed the pre-acceptance tests, schedule a personal interview with the PACT Program Chairperson, or faculty member. At the interview you will go over your test scores, program requirements, the Candidate Information Form, the internship forms, and your goals as an PACT student at DMACC and in a Honda/Acura dealership or shop.

• Students will receive a letter of acceptance to the college after all pre-acceptance requirements are complete. You will then be notified as to the date of registration for classes.

The Honda PACT, cosponsored by DMACC and Honda, is a program designed to prepare students for employment as a Honda/Acura​ dealership technician. The curriculum​, designed by Honda and DMACC, leads to a degree or certificate in Honda PACT. The program involves classroom lecture, laboratory experience and dealership work experience.

• Program Manual
• Honda Company Website
• National Honda PACT Website

Love racing? Want to work on a professional racing team? Get the chance to work on Indy cars and Ford GT racecars at the Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. DMACC has partnered with CGR and Iowa Speedway on an internship program exclusively for DMACC Automotive Students and Alumni.

How to Qualify

• Be a recent graduate or a current DMACC Automotive student with a minimum of 30 credits in the following programs:
  • Automotive Technology
  • GM ASEP
  • Mopar CAP
  • Ford ASSET
  • Diesel Technology
  • Auto Collision students seeking the AAS degree
• Have a program GPA of at least 2.5 or higher (current or upon graduation).

Selection Process

• Submit application​ to mrhughart@dmacc.edu
• The selection committee will review the applications and determine finalists.
• Finalists will be invited to participate in in-person interviews with CGR at DMACC for the Spring/Summer internship​.
• CGR selects intern(s).
• Intern completes 8-10 week internship at CGR in Indianapolis, IN.

Overview

The Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) internship is a partnership between Des Moines Area Community College, CGR, and Iowa Speedway to provide an internship opportunity to qualifying DMACC Automotive students interested in the racing industry. The internship will be done at the Ganassi Racing IndyCar shop in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will be an 8 – 10 week internship depending on the semester in which it is taken. It is preferred that internships are done during the 10-week summer term. Students meeting the specified criteria will receive consideration for this internship and have the opportunity to do the following:

• Shop-based job working on current Indy cars and Ford GT racecars
• Job responsibilities can or will include all aspects of sub assembly work, gearboxes, brakes, driveshafts, and wheel bearing areas. This will include training in cleaning techniques, non-destructive testing, part preparation and assembly.
• Work in other areas of the shop will be done on an as-needed bases in areas such as machine and fabrication, electronics or carbon and paint area.
• Work hours are a standard 5-day, 8-hour a day work week, but depending on work load must be flexible to work to what the team needs.

Benefits

Students are employees of Ganassi Racing while on internship, giving them the opportunity to start working in the racing industry. A workout program with a trainer during the day on company time is an option.

Student Responsibilities

• Students must meet all college/university eligibility requirements into the degree program and intend to complete all academic and technical courses as required.
• Students must have and maintain a signed employment agreement form from Ganassi Racing before the start of the internship and maintain employment throughout the internship.
• Students are required to meet personal protective equipment requirements of the school.
• Students are responsible for all program costs, including tuition, fees, books and tools.
• Students understand that once accepted into the Ganassi Racing program, it is required that progress toward earning a degree be maintained in a timely manner.
• Student will need to bring a selection of hand tools – a list will be provided. The use of a toolbox while on internship will also be provided.
• Student must meet employment requirements including a valid driver’s license and be willing to a company paid drug test as well as a background check.
• Students must assist with other shop duties as requested by management.
• A job is not guaranteed at the end of this internship but maybe an option.

Questions?

Contact DMACC Automotive Program Chair, Jerry Burns at jlburns@dmacc.edu or any DMACC Automotive Faculty and Staff.