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Certificate of Achievement
Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START)

This Certificate of Achievement is intended to educate the entry-level technician in Tesla Motors technology. Topics will include: safety when working in or around high voltage, maintenance, regeneration braking, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, battery management systems, high-voltage bus and charging, pack connector and penthouse controls, and autonomous technology. Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from Tesla Motors will be used to discuss physics of battery storage and material composition and high-voltage generation systems. This course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric vehicle/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field. Completion of this training is required by Tesla for employment as a Level I, Level II, or Level III technician, Mobile Service Technician, or a Field Service Technician.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2022-2023 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
TESL 100A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - AM9.0
TESL 100A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - A (9.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 260
Transfers to: CSU

This course is the first of a two-part course for students in the Tesla START program. The course is intended to teach entry-level technicians about the technology used in Tesla motors. Topics include safety when working in or around high voltage, maintenance, regeneration braking, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, battery management systems, high voltage bus and charging, pack connector and penthouse controls, and autonomous technology. Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from Tesla motors are used to discuss physics of battery storage, material composition, and high-voltage generation systems. This course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field; the Tesla START program provides students the skills necessary for a successful career with Tesla.

TESL 100B - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - BM9.0
TESL 100B - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - B (9.0 units)

Prerequisite:TESL 100A
Transfers to: CSU

This course is the second of a two-part course intended to teach entry-level technicians the technology used in Tesla motors. Topics include safety when working in or around high voltage, maintenance, regeneration braking, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, battery management systems, high voltage bus and charging, pack connector and penthouse controls, and autonomous technology. Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from Tesla motors are used to discuss physics of battery storage, material composition, and high-voltage generation systems. This course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field; the Tesla START program provides students with the skills necessary for a successful career with Tesla.

AUTO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Automotive Technology Related FieldsM1.0
AUTO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Automotive Technology Related Fields (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor, and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the automotive/transportation field and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

Total Semester Units:19.0 
Total Units for Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) COA program 19.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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