For Immediate Release: September 29, 2006

Media Contact: Kristen Habbestad, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451, ext. 2287

NORWALK, CA – September 29, 2006 – Instructors and students from the Cerritos College Automotive Technology will join auto makers, industry specialists and motor trend enthusiasts this week at the 2006 Orange County Auto Show October 4-8 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Cerritos College’s display, located in the show’s Automotive Underground, will include a Dodge Viper, information on automotive classes and certification programs, and instructors with helpful tips on career and learning opportunities.

“Every year, the show provides a great place for us to let potential students know about career opportunities available to them in the auto industry—in fact, Thursday, October 6 is “college two-for-one night” where two students with valid IDs can get in for only $10—less than going to a movie,” said Cerritos College Automotive Instructor Kevin Taylor.

“Right now, the auto industry is seeking to hire trained technicians into high-growth, high-wage positions, and our programs get students to the place they need to be to land these jobs.”

Also featured at the show is information about the bachelor degree program in automotive marketing offered through an agreement between Northwood University and Cerritos College. Northwood serves as a “campus within a campus” at Cerritos College, providing a means for students who have earned their associate’s degree at Cerritos College to enroll in Northwood’s program to earn a bachelor's of business administration (BBA) degree.

Students in the new program attend all classes on Cerritos College's campus and take higher-level courses from Northwood University instructors after meeting general degree requirements through Cerritos College courses. Automotive students may also choose to tailor their bachelor’s degree to reflect an emphasis in automotive management. The combined course offerings from both Cerritos College and Northwood University comprise the bachelor's degree program and offer students substantial savings: the first three years of the four-year degree cost are very affordable, since they consist of transferable classes at Cerritos College. The final year of the degree is offered at Northwood's tuition rate but still takes place at Cerritos College's campus.

“We want to be there to meet the thousands of automotive enthusiasts—some of whom might be thinking about a career in the industry,” said Northwood University Program Manager Javier Garza.

“There are so many different career opportunities available in the industry—jobs in sales and marketing, management, technology, design and promotion are all in demand, and we want to serve as a connection for students to the industry.”

The 2006 Orange County Auto Show will be held October 4-8, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.orangecountyautoshow.com.

Cerritos College has offered automotive training technology since the college began in 1955. The offerings consist of certificates degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technology, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and hybrids, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the U.S. Students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive management at Cerritos College through an agreement the college has with Northwood University.

Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center to encourage development of alternative fuel sources.

Perhaps most impressively, Cerritos College is physically located just blocks from the world’s largest auto mall where it partners with dealers to train and employ technicians and dealer managers. The greater Los Angeles area is home to more than 17 corporate support centers for the robust Southern California auto industry. It is also home to a number of design centers producing vehicle prototypes for future sales. Automotive-industry management opportunities routinely require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

 

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