Program Overview

Women in Automotive empowers women to understand, maintain, and confidently talk about their vehicles. Through a supportive, judgement-free learning environment, participants explore basic automotive systems, routine maintenance, common road challenges, and safe hands-on practices.

Workshops progress through three levels: Introduction, Intermediate, and Expert, allowing participants to build skills over time and work directly with their own vehicles as they advance.

All workshops take place in the City College Automotive lab, with professional instructors guiding learning step by step.

Introduction to Automotive Maintenance

Who should take this level?

Women who want to build confidence with basic vehicle knowledge, preventative maintenance, and hands-on skills.

What you will learn:

  • Basic operations and systems of your vehicle
  • Routine maintenance needs and service intervals
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Practical skills: how to change a tire and use basic tools

Format:

Three-hour hands-on session in the City College Automotive lab. Snacks provided.

Faculty:

Kat Pfau, Automotive Instructor
Amy Hunt, Automotive Technician

Register for Introduction:

 

 


Once you complete the introductory session, you may request instructor approval to register for Intermediate and Expert workshops.

Intermediate Automotive Workshop


Who should take this level?

Those who have completed the Introduction workshop and want to take the next step, working directly with their vehicle.

What you will learn:

  • Deeper understanding of engine components
  • Under-hood orientation and system identification
  • Hands-on skills with filters, fluids, belts, and safety checks

Format:

Half-day session where participants bring their own vehicle into the lab and work alongside the instructor. Lunch provided.

Prerequisite:

Instructor approval required (typically gained after attending the Intro session).

Register for Intermediate Workshop

 

Expert Automotive Workshop


Who should take this level?

Participants ready to deepen their technical competency and perform guided maintenance or diagnostics with professional support.

What you will learn:

  • Deeper component exploration and inspection
  • Working through common service troubleshooting
  • Guided maintenance tasks with instructor support
  • Individualised skill building based on your vehicle and goals

Format:

Extended half-day or full-day session (depending on scheduling). Participants work closely with the automotive faculty on their own vehicle. Lunch provided.

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of the Intermediate Workshop and faculty approval.

Register for Expert Workshop


Questions?

Program content and prerequisites:

Kat Pfau, Automotive Instructor
Email: kpfau@msubillings.edu 

General questions and accessibility:

Workforce Development & Community Education
Email: workforcedevelopment@msubillings.edu
Phone: 406-247-3055