Chamberlain offers two courses in automotive technology. One is a life-skills course, teaching every student how to responsibly buy, rent, own, and care for a car.

The other is for students with a special interest in automotive technology. This enrichment course meets every week. Students learn some basics of auto mechanics, and then move into more sophisticated knowledge through a special project that lasts throughout the school year. Past classes have built kit cars (the three replica 1965 427 Shelby Cobra roadsters on campus are student-made) and taken on refurbishing projects (like a 1942 1.5 ton Chevy dump truck).

Here’s what Doug Anderson who runs the Automotive Technology Program has to say.

"I teach two types of classes at Chamberlain. Most students takes a class called Automotive Life Skills. I teach them how to take care of whatever cars they end up owning some day. Students learn how to talk to their mechanics, check their oil, change a wiper blade or a tire, and they learn not to pull over on the highway to change a tire, because it is too dangerous."

"But there's a significant number of students at Chamberlain who elect Automotive as their enrichment course, and we work on projects. We've built kit cars—there are three replica 1965 427 Shelby Cobra roadsters on campus right now that we've built in this shop. This year our project is refurbishing a 1942 1.5 ton Chevy dump truck. For the students working on this year's project, it is probably the only opportunity they will ever have to work on a vehicle like this—even if they work in the industry."

"My proudest moment at Chamberlain was at one of the graduations. Every year a few students make speeches. One year, one of the students had been in my Automotive elective for a year and a half. This young lady included me in her speech. She said that she wanted to work in the auto industry and thanked me for guiding her.  I believe she'll do well if she wants to work as a professional mechanic.  As an auto mechanic, if you treat your customers well and they will trust you and you will be successful."