De Anza College’s Auto Tech program is the place to be for would-be mechanics. The highly competitive program accepts only 75 students a year.
Of these 75 students, three of them are women. Monica Saadi is the only woman in the advanced program this year. She says, “As a child I liked to take things apart.”
In addition to the advanced program, the Auto Tech department offers lower level classes, 50 A and B and 51 A and B. These are called consumer classes. Michael Brandt, head of the Auto Tech program says, “In the consumer level classes about one third of the students are women.” According to Brandt the women in these classes tend to do better than the men. They seem to take it more seriously and it is all new to them.
Auto Tech professor Phil Green says, “The consumer level classes teach students how to maintain their vehicles, how to save money on repairs and how to buy cars. Many women like to take these classes so they know more about their own vehicles and won’t be taken advantage of at the auto shop.”
Green says, “Many women are in the lecture level classes and they do well, but not many want to come in and get their hands dirty.”
Kira Fernandez, a student in one of the lecture classes, says, “I want to get certified in engine repair. I used to watch my older brothers fix cars but they wouldn’t let me help. Everyone’s driving cars, so it is a good business to be in.”
“I love working on cars,” says student Rosanna Nuch. “We all help each other around here. I want to someday open my own garage and be a master mechanic.”
Once students complete the prerequisite classes, they can begin the process of applying to the advanced program. The application process is extensive and they can only hope to be one of the 75 students chosen a year.
Green says, “Our program trains students to go directly into the automotive field after graduation. There are literally more jobs available than there are students to fill them.” The program produces well-trained and sought-after mechanics.
Saadi says, “The program is tough, but I’ve never minded getting my hands dirty.” Saadi has taken three different courses so far. The first was a chassis class which she says was “dirty but fun.” The next class was on suspension, transmissions and brakes. The third class was on the engine. Saadi says, “The engine class really helped me understand how a car works.”
“I used to want to be a mechanic but now I want to be a race car engine designer,” says Saadi. Green says this program is a great opportunity for women. They may not go into the technical side but many go into the service and service warranty side of the field.
Anny Ting is a graduate of the advanced Auto Tech program and was also the first female president of the Auto Tech club. “I had a vision of the helpless woman with a flat tire, and I didn’t want to be that woman,” says Ting.
“I started out in the 50’s classes because cars were like some secret club only men knew anything about and I wanted to get in on it,” says Ting. “The program sounded interesting so I applied, it was much harder than I expected,” states Ting.
Ting would like to encourage other women to be in the program if they are interested. She advises her fellow females, “Don’t be shy. It’s not a man’s world anymore. Go for what you want because it won’t present itself.”
Saadi seems to hold her own as well as the only girl in the program. She says, “I don’t take any crap. I joke around, I’m like one of the guys. It’s like going to school with 74 brothers.”
