Heavy Duty Coach Mechanic

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map
🖶 Printer Friendly Report

This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

Students must first secure placement in the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District's Heavy Duty Coach Mechanic Apprenticeship Program before enrolling in APAC 9471 through 9478.

This program lasts four years and prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel-based coach and transit buses. Combining strong classroom theory with hands-on work that employs the latest tools and equipment in a state-of-the-art facility, the program teaches the essential skills that will allow graduates to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems in diesel engines and coach buses.

The program requires general education courses to ensure students gain a well-rounded technical education. Students will learn to use computers to diagnose equipment and research information. They will be trained to operate software, shop machinery, heavy-duty equipment, and use precision tools. Heavy Duty Coach Mechanic Apprentices must complete 198 hours of related supplemental instruction (RSI) per calendar year (or 99 per semester) hours per year at the AC Transit training center.

For more information on apprenticeship programs, visit https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs


What can I do with this major?

All AC Transit Apprentices start with an hourly wage of $25.50/hour which progresses to $39.73/hour in the 8th period. It also includes a fringe benefit package. The salary range after apprentices graduate from the program is approximately $43/Hour.

The completion rate is expected to be 99% and 100% of graduates are employed by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District; graduates may also pursue an independent or entrepreneurial path. SOC 49-3031 has projected employment of 2,530 positions in Alameda County by 2028 (according to the Employment Development Department of California - EDD); LMI reports an estimated 2.030 job openings in the next five years.


Learning and Career Pathway

    Icon Key

    = Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

    For more information about apprenticeship programs, including Heavy Duty Coach Mechanic, please see: www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/apprenticeship/

    Semester 1

    4 units

    APAC 9471
    Bus Maintenance

    4 units
    This course will teach students how to perform major, minor, and safety inspections on Heavy -Duty, diesel coach buses. This includes inspecting brakes, steering and suspension components, air systems, the power train, electrical systems, chassis and frame, and tires and wheels. Servicing the power train by lubricating, changing all filters and fluids, and greasing all contact points. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
    Course Details:

      Semester 2

      4 units

      APAC 9472
      Bus Air Brake Systems

      4 units
      This course prepares students to Inspect and repair brake systems, including relining all brake assemblies, changing pads or shoes, calipers, S-cams, slack adjusters, replacing bushings, adjusting and lubricating hubs, and changing brake chambers. The course also prepares students for diagnosing and checking the ABS system, ATC system, and brake system operation. Additionally, students will be trained to inspect air system airlines, air valves, air tanks, air drier and applicator valves, change air compressors, air drier, and other pneumatic systems components, repair air components, and diagnose air leaks. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 3

      4 units

      APAC 9473
      Bus Steering, Suspension and Driveline

      4 units
      This course is designed to teach students the components and working functionality of a heavy-duty transit coach's steering and suspension system. Participants taking this course will be able to learn the theory, practicality, and safety aspects of all components related to steering, steel and air suspension, driveline, and body. Additionally, students will learn how to inspect, maintain and service turn-table components. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 4

      4 units

      APAC 9474
      Bus Basic Electrical

      4 units
      Basic Electrical is an introductory class that will provide and demonstrate to apprentices a fundamental knowledge of electrical systems and components related to the location, function, and maintenance of heavy-duty coach buses and diesel engines. Its primary goal will include basic principles and the theory of operation of electrical systems found on heavy-duty buses. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 5

      4 units

      APAC 9475
      Bus Advanced Electrical

      4 units
      This course is designed to teach students the components and working functionality of a heavy-duty transit coach's electrical system. Participants taking this course will be able to focus on coach bus advanced electrical diagnoisis. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Prerequisite: APAC 9474
      2. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 6

      4 units

      APAC 9476
      Bus Engine Overhaul

      4 units
      Engine Overhaul is an introductory class that will provide and demonstrate to apprentices a fundamental knowledge of bus engine components related to the location, function, and maintenance of diesel engines. Its primary goal will include basic principles and the theory of operation of diesel engines. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 7

      4 units

      APAC 9477
      Bus Transmissions

      4 units
      Students will learn to Identify, inspect, and repair all transmission electrical and mechanical components including coolers, gaskets, seals, mounts, retarders, sensors, wiring harnesses, valve bodies, and control units. Perform filter and fluids changes and maintenance, and diagnose transmission performance problems in Voith and World transmissions using diagnostic equipment. fluid/filter changes, (control valves). Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471

      Semester 8

      4 units

      APAC 9478
      Bus Advanced Diagnosis

      4 units
      Apprentices will demonstrate using diagnostic software and programs such as Cummins Insite, Allison DOC, Voith, Detroit Diesel, Kibes, Wabco, Vansco, and Dinex. Apprentices will learn to diagnose and repair the following: Engine, Transmission, ABS, and Multiplexing issues, as well as operational functions related to chassis, suspension, and steering components. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into and registered with the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: APAC 9471
      2. Prerequisite: APAC 9472
      3. Prerequisite: APAC 9473
      4. Prerequisite: APAC 9474
      5. Prerequisite: APAC 9475
      6. Prerequisite: APAC 9476
      7. Prerequisite: APAC 9477

      General Education Requirements

      22 units

      Students may earn an AA or AS degree at Chabot with completion of any one of the following general education patterns:

      • Local AS pattern
      • CSU General Education Breadth pattern
      • IGETC General Education pattern

      See the general education course lists: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling/transfer/ge-requirement-transfer-archive.php. 

      It is recommended that all students meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and create an individualized student education plan. See the Counseling Department webpage for information on how to speak with a counselor: www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling.

      Other (specify)

      6 units

      Elective units may be needed to reach the 60 units required for an Associate's Degree. Please see a counselor for assistance in selecting elective units. 

      Total Units: 60 units
      This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.