Western Technical College

Automotive technology is a central area of Western Technical College's career training. The program covers engine repair, transmissions, drive trains and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance. Students can choose electives in light-duty diesel or performance tuning. Training combines classroom and shop instruction with online coursework, and the program offers day, afternoon, and evening schedules. Other study areas include commercial driver training, welding, HVAC, nursing, physical therapist assisting, business administration, computer science, electronics engineering technology, and aerospace and defense technology.

Family-owned and operated since opening in 1970, Western Tech has helped more than 22,000 people begin careers. Its main east campus on Plaza Circle occupies a 150,000-square-foot facility on 13 acres, with classrooms and shops for automotive, diesel, welding, HVAC, business, and clinical assistant programs. The northeast branch on Diana covers 48,000 square feet on five acres and houses programs including nursing, business, computer science, electronics engineering technology, aerospace and defense technology, and physical therapist assisting. Both campuses have Learning Resource Centers.

El Paso is the setting for the college's main and branch campuses, while specialized instruction extends to facilities elsewhere in the city. Lineworker students train at an El Paso Electric Company facility, using utility poles and an outdoor training area. Commercial driver students use Swift Transportation's facilities for range practice, city driving, and on-site licensing tests. Western Tech offers small classes, hands-on learning, flexible schedules, and classroom, shop, and online formats. Automotive training is 80 percent classroom and shop work and 20 percent online.