What is CAP?
What is CAP?
Weber State University partnered with Chrysler in 1998 to offer the Mopar College Automotive Program (MCAP) program to our automotive students. The CAP program is a two-year associate degree program with an emphasis in Chrysler service technology. Students who complete this degree will work as service technicians in Chrysler (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep) dealerships.
The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP) is a nationwide effort to train and employ technicians that provide the best customer service satisfaction in the industry for our dealerships.
CAP attracts students with good mechanical aptitude to work in the ever-changing automotive service industry. The automotive industry is one of the fastest growing with technology that is constantly changing.
The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP), established in 1984 is an automotive technician training/internship program that provides Chrysler dealerships with talented service technicians capable of servicing tomorrow’s technologies. Chrysler believes that the competitive edge in this industry lies in the ability to service the technologies used in our products correctly, the first time and every time. The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP) is an integral piece in that philosophy.
The Mopar CAP program supports the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES). The Mopar CAP program provides continued education and sponsorship opportunities to AYES students who choose to become CAP college students.
Where and When Will I Work?
- The first 320 hours of supervised work experience takes place during the first eight weeks of freshmen spring semester. The students will have already received training and hands-on lab experience in electrical/electronics before beginning their first internship. Most students begin work in a dealership as a lube rack technician, then after proving they are ready and qualified, move to other areas of automotive service working under a experienced Chrysler technician mentor.
- During the summer break the students will work at the dealership until school starts again at the end of August.
- The last 320 hours of supervised work experience takes place during the first eight weeks of sophomore fall semester. The students will have already received training and hands-on lab experience in brakes, steering and suspension, and climate control systems before beginning their second internship.
- During the sophomore spring semester, the students will receive training and hands-on lab experience in engine repair and engine control systems, automatic transmissions and manual drivetrain systems. After graduation, the technician should be prepared to work on his/her own.
What Will I Learn?
Your primary instructor is Scott Hadzik, a Chrysler Level 4 Technician and a Master ASE Technician. Other Chrysler certified instructors will be utilized in the areas of Automatic transmissions, manual drivetrain, engine performance, climate control systems, and brakes.
Instruction and training at Weber State University will include:
- Electronic service information usage - Chrysler Dealer Connect.
- Theory, diagnosis, and operation in all eight NATEF automotive areas on a vehicle.
- 900 hours of hands-on lab work on late model Chrysler vehicles to practice and develop skills.
- Scan tool usage - StarMobile and StarSCAN and WiTech.
- Developing diagnostic and trouble shooting skills with an emphasis on Chrysler's Six-Step Diagnostic process.
- 640 hours of cooperative work experience in a Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep dealership.
What Certifications Will I Prepare For?
- Every new student is required to take all eight Automotive ASE exams to qualify for graduation. The ASE exams are given at WSU at the end of each of the four semesters.
- ASE Master Technician certification. ASE Test preparation guides are available on the ASE website.
- EPA clean air act amendment of 1990 (Section 609) Air-Conditioning Certification.
- Emissions inspection and maintenance certification where applicable.
