• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Kirtland Community College logo

Kirtland Community College

Get Info Apply 989-275-5000 Search
Get Info Apply Call Search
Skip Navigation
  • Get Started
    • Are you ready to start your OWN adventure?
      • Admissions
      • Apply
      • Already Accepted
      • Cost
      • In District vs. Out of District
      • Transferring TO Kirtland
      • Housing
      • Scholarships
      • Orientation
      • Dual Enrollment
      • Programs We Offer
    • We have lots of paths and resources to help you along the way. Let’s go!
  • Pay for College
    • Preparing You For a Lifetime of Success
      • How to Pay for College – there are LOTS of ways to pay for college — find out how
      • Apply for Financial Aid – APPLY EARLY — it takes time to process
      • Tuition and Fees
      • Cost of Classes
      • Veterans Educational Benefits
      • Community College Guarantee
      • Michigan Reconnect
    • We’re here to help you apply for financial aid, grants and scholarships — even if you think you won’t qualify. Why? Because you might.
  • Academics
    • Looking for a creative career path? Explore your interests!
      • Programs We Offer
      • Transfer Pathways
      • Online Learning
      • Degree Requirements (College Catalog)
      • Course Descriptions
      • Find Classes
      • Transferring FROM Kirtland
      • Navigate Student
    • Every program at Kirtland is designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to be. YOU have the freedom to choose your future.
  • Athletics
  • Quick Links
      • Student Central – landing page with links for current students
      • Employee Central – landing page with links for employees
      • For Parents – information for parents of future students
      • For the Community – landing page with links for the community
      • Academic Resources
        • College Catalog
        • Find Classes
        • Campus Store
        • Online Bookstore (buy textbooks)
        • Library
        • Tutoring
        • Key Academic Dates
        • How to Request a Transcript
        • Center for Teaching & Learning
      • What’s Happening
        • Senior Summit
        • Community Education
        • News Releases
        • Media Tool Kit
      • Other Resources
        • Business and Workforce Solutions
        • Careers at Kirtland
        • Human Resources
        • Policies and Procedures
        • Kirtland Foundation (scholarships)
        • Path to Success
        • IT Help
        • Public Safety
  • About/Contact
      • About Kirtland
        • Kirtland Overview
        • Mission and Vision
        • Accreditation
        • Board of Trustees/Public Meeting Notices
        • Executive Leadership
        • Institutional Reports and Documents
      • Virtual Tours
        • Grayling Campus Tour
        • Campus Housing Tour
      • Directions
        • Directions to Kirtland Grayling
        • Directions to Kirtland Gaylord
      • Contact
        • Searchable Employee Directory
        • Departments and Offices
        • Telephone Extensions
        • Contact Us Form
        • All of the Ways to Contact Us
  • Sign In
      • myKirtland – register for classes, check grades, course history, etc.
      • KMail – student and college email, Google apps
      • Canvas – go to your class online
      • Net Partner – your financial aid information
      • Navigate Student – guide from orientation to graduation
      • Rave Mobile Safety – get emergency alerts, college closures, class cancellations
      • Infobase – training software
      • Activate Account – activate your single sign-on account
Home/Automotive Technology. A One-Stop, One-of-a-Kind Program in Northern Michigan.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Automotive Technology. A One-Stop, One-of-a-Kind Program in Northern Michigan.

Request info 989-275-5000, ext. 284 Apply Now
  • ASE Accreditation
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Industry Recognized Instructors
  • Brand New Facilities
  • All Tools Provided

Mechanics Keep Progress Moving Forward. We Want Mechanics!

More than ever, automotive mechanics and technicians are needed and in HIGH demand. With more vehicles on the roads than ever, positions are open nationwide for those educated and passionate about the automotive trade. 

Whether working for a dealership or an automotive garage, mechanics and technicians are the backbone of our transportation system.

We need more mechanics and technicians.


Career Best Fits: Passionate, Hard Working, and Team-Oriented

For those seeking a career working with your hands and not behind a desk, automotive technology is a field worth exploring. More than wrench turning and dirty clothes, this field requires those with a strong passion for the automotive trades. 

You will keep America’s transportation infrastructure moving through your dedication, attention to detail, and skills. 


Be Fully Equipped to Learn on Day One

You’ll find in our brand-new facility that we do not play around when it comes to providing you with the tools to succeed here at Kirtland. 

Through our partnerships with Snap-on, MAC, and other industry-leading tool manufacturers, you will be provided with EVERY tool needed to maximize your automotive learning while at Kirtland.

Purchase the tools you work with. During your time in Kirtland’s automotive technology program, you can purchase tools directly from our vendors at a HUGE DISCOUNT. Leave our program with all the knowledge and tools needed in the automotive world. 

  • Automotive Tech Lab
    Automotive Tech Lab
  • Snap-On tool box in each bay
    Snap-On tool box in each bay
  • Building a hot rod car
    Building a hot rod car

Kirtland’s Automotive Technology Program: A Second-to-None Education

At Kirtland, we pride ourselves in the quality of education we provide to every student that walks through our doors. This is especially true when looking at our Automotive Technology program. 

Being the only college with an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master accredited program in northern Michigan, we provide learning to our automotive students, which no college in the north can compete with.

Upon graduating, you WILL be prepared for the Michigan Bureau of Automotive Regulation Mechanic Certification and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician Certification tests.

Hands-on Training

  • Kirtland’s program takes you out of the classroom and puts the tech employers expect in your hands. 
  • Our shop is stocked with the same tools that current leading automotive manufacture’s use, giving you industry-recognized training with every class.
  • The best part, there is no waiting. From day one till the day you graduate-you will be working in the shop, gaining high-quality, hands-on training.
  • Running Diagnostics
    Running Diagnostics
  • Preparing to do a wheel alignment
    Preparing to do a wheel alignment
  • Under the Car
    Under the Car

Meet Your Instructor

Our Automotive Technology instructors are industry-leading professionals, currently working automotive mechanics and technicians and state-wide recognized educators.  

Bob Oakes, the lead instructor for Automotive Technology, has over 33 years of experience in the automotive industry and is ASE master certified in all areas of light vehicle repair and advanced ASE certified in three additional categories.

Above all else, our instructors carry the ‘student first’ mindset. They understand the passion for cars and bring it into the shop for you to learn. They are committed to creating an educational experience that will prepare you for a great career in the automotive industry.

  • Bob Oakes, Automotive Tech Program Director/Instructor
    Bob Oakes, Automotive Tech Program Director/Instructor
  • Working with a student doing an oil change
    Working with a student doing an oil change

Explore…

Automotive Technology

Talk with Admissions

989-275-5000, ext. 284

Ready to Jump In?

Apply for Admission

Ready? Well Then, Let’s Get Started

Don’t just take it from us. Get in touch with Bob, the lead instructor of Automotive Technology, today by filling out the form below.

Really, if you have any questions about careers in automotive technology and or our program, Bob is the person to talk to. Not only is he the lead instructor of the program, but he is also a graduate of the Kirtland Automotive Technology program. Bob devotes 110% of his time into the automotive trade and can answer whatever questions you may have or even set up a tour of our facilities. 

Still unsure? Then why not check out the Kirtland Automotive Technology Facebook page for a more in-depth, personal look into the program. 

Explore more

Get a Program Brochure Call Us 989-275-5000 Apply Now!
Kirtland Community College logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn

KIRTLAND GRAYLING
4800 W 4 Mile Road
Grayling, MI 49738
989-275-5000

KIRTLAND GAYLORD
60 Livingston Blvd.
Gaylord, MI 49735
989-705-3600

Apply for Admission
Key Academic Dates
College Catalog
Careers at Kirtland

Navigate Student
Kirtland Grill — Order Online
Searchable Directory
Student Rights and Disclosures


Footer

Copyright © 2025 Kirtland Community College

Accessibility Statement · Notice of Non-discrimination

Have a question about Kirtland? Ask us!

We're really excited that you're interested in Kirtland! Please fill out this form and hit submit. We'll do our best to get back to you ASAP. We look forward to talking with you!

Name(Required)
Kirtland Community College
  • Get Started
    • Admissions
    • Apply
    • Already Accepted
    • Cost
    • In District vs. Out of District
    • Transferring TO Kirtland
    • Housing
    • Scholarships
    • Orientation
    • Dual Enrollment
    • Programs We Offer
    • Back
  • Pay for College
    • How to Pay for College
    • Apply for Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Cost of Classes
    • Veterans Educational Benefits
    • Community College Guarantee
    • Michigan Reconnect
    • Back
  • Academics
    • Programs We Offer
    • Transfer Pathways
    • Online Learning
    • Degree Requirements (College Catalog)
    • Course Descriptions
    • Find Classes
    • Transferring FROM Kirtland
    • Navigate Student
    • Back
  • Athletics
  • Quick Links
    • Student Central
    • Employee Central
    • For Parents
    • For the Community
    • Academic Resources
      • College Catalog
      • Find Classes
      • Campus Store
      • Online Bookstore (buy textbooks)
      • Library
      • Tutoring
      • Key Academic Dates
      • How to Request a Transcript
      • Center for Teaching & Learning
      • Back
    • What’s Happening
      • Senior Summit
      • Community Education
      • News Releases
      • Back
    • Other Resources
      • Business and Workforce Solutions
      • Careers at Kirtland
      • Human Resources
      • Policies and Procedures
      • Kirtland Foundation (scholarships)
      • Path to Success
      • IT Help
      • Public Safety
      • Media Tool Kit
      • Back
    • Back
  • About/Contact/Directions
    • About Kirtland
      • Kirtland Overview
      • Mission and Vision
      • Accreditation
      • Board of Trustees/Public Meeting Notices
      • Executive Leadership
      • Institutional Reports and Documents
      • Back
    • Virtual Tours
      • Grayling Campus Tour
      • Campus Housing Tour
      • Back
    • Contact/Directions
      • Searchable Employee Directory
      • Departments and Offices
      • Telephone Extensions
      • Contact Us Form
      • All of the Ways to Contact Us
      • Directions to Kirtland Grayling
      • Directions to Kirtland Gaylord
      • Back
    • Back
  • Sign In
    • myKirtland
    • KMail
    • Canvas
    • Net Partner
    • Navigate Student
    • Rave Mobile Safety
    • Infobase
    • Activate Account
    • Back