Frequently Asked Questions
Sylvania AM 210 | 971-722-4130
- Why Portland Community College?
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Portland Community College is a two-year, multi-campus college with three major campuses, two centers and a number of satellite locations. It offers educational opportunities in a district with a 1,500 square mile area, comprised of all or parts of five counties with approximately 800,000 residents. Annual enrollment is more than 100,000. PCC has the largest comprehensive automotive training program in the state. PCC became involved in the GM ASEP program in 1985. PCC is the only learning institution in the State of Oregon that offers GM ASEP.
- What is ASEP?
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ASEP is an educational partnership between Portland Community College and General Motors Company. It is a GM specific training program designed to upgrade the technical competency and professional level of the incoming dealership technician. The curriculum reflects current GM technology and was developed by PCC in close cooperation with General Motors. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certifies PCC Automotive Technology programs.
- Why Was ASEP Developed?
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ASEP was developed by General Motors Company to help supply GM Dealerships with highly trained entry level technicians. ASEP was originally started in 1979, when the need for highly trained technicians was recognized because of the increasing complexity of the day’s vehicles. With the rapid increase in today’s vehicle technology, the need for highly trained technicians is continuing to grow.
- How Does It Work?
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The student spends 12 weeks (one term) on-campus, in the classroom and lab from 7:00am to 11:50am. The following 12 weeks, the student will work full time for their GM dealership, earning a wage and gaining practical experience as they put the skills learned in the classroom to use. This same schedule continues until completion of the program.
- How Long Does It Take?
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ASEP is an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. It requires a total of 2 years (eight twelve-week terms). Four terms are spent on campus and four terms are spent in the dealership. During on-campus terms, the student attends classes five days per week. During each work-experience term, the student will accrue a minimum 480 clock hours (40 hours per week) working in the GM dealership.
- Where Are the On-Campus Training Classes Held?
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All classroom and lab work is offered at Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus, AM building Room 208 which is located at 12000 S.W. 49th Ave. in Portland, Oregon.
- What are the Instructors Qualifications?
- All GM-ASEP instructors are ASE Certified Master Technicians including L1 Advanced Engine Performance certified. In addition all GM-ASEP instructors are General Motors Certified World Class Technicians.
- What Subjects Are Studied?
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The GM ASEP Curriculum includes all 8 ASE subject areas. These include: A1-Engine Repair, A2-Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, A3-Manual Drivetrain and Axle, A4-Suspension and Steering, A5-Brakes, A6-Electrical/Electronics Systems, A7-Heating and Air Conditioning, A8-Engine Performance.
In addition, General Education courses from Arts and Humanities, Science and Math, Social Science and Business provide the academic background necessary to communicate ideas effectively and to keep abreast of the rapid changes in the automotive field.
- What Is the Purpose Of The Cooperative Education Work Experience Periods At The Dealership?
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The system allows the ASEP student to apply, in a real work setting, what he or she has studied in the classroom during the previous term. In addition, the student becomes familiar with the dealership environment, the organizational structure and the competencies that are expected of a professional technician. The fact that the student receives wages during this time helps offset tuition costs.
Students are required to complete a task list, maintain a work log, make regular reports to the college and complete a term paper or other assignments during each dealer work period.
During the work experience terms at the dealership, students will receive a letter grade based on the following:
- Work attendance/punctuality
- Quality/amount of work performed
- Attitude and interaction with other employees
- Task sheet and work log completion
- Homework assignment for the term
The ASEP Instructor works alongside each student at least four hours every four weeks during the COOP term. This gives a chance for the instructor to evaluate the students work and work ethic in the dealership as well as continue the instruction that was taught during the classroom term.
- Is Financial Aid Available to ASEP Students?
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Financial assistance is available to PCC students in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and part-time employment. Any student in need of financial assistance should contact the ASEP Instructor and the Financial Aid office at the Sylvania Campus.
- What Qualifications Are Necessary To Enter The ASEP Program?
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To be eligible for the ASEP program, the applicant must:
- Be age 18 or over at the time of the first dealership work
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
- Be able to meet Portland Community College general admission requirements.
- Be able to pass PCC GM-ASEP entry level requirements for Math and English (place into Math 60 and Writing 115)
- Pass the Introduction to ASEP course.
- Be prepared to finish the required course work for the AAS Degree.
- Obtain employment/sponsorship by a General Motors dealer (Successfully complete a job interview.)
- Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Pass a drug test (checked by the dealership for employment.)
- Have a sincere desire for a career in the automotive service industry.