Donation supports next generation of technicians
Lithia & Driveway (LAD), a leading automotive retailer, donated $50,000 to the the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) and Automotive Service Technology (AUST) program at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). A presentation ceremony was held February 19, 2026, on the DCTC campus in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Dave Ydstie
Guests included several representatives from Lithia & Driveway as well as Michael Berndt, DCTC and Inver Hills Community College president, Mike Mendez, DCTC vice president of academic affairs, and Courtney Kuntz, DCTC dean of transportation, construction, and manufacturing. Mopar CAP and AUST faculty and students also attended the event.
DCTC was one of 11 colleges, universities, high schools, preps, and institutes across the country to receive $500,000 in donations from Lithia & Driveway to support technical and trade school education.
“This generous $50,000 donation from Lithia & Driveway represents a transformative investment in the future of our automotive technicians,” said Matt Boudinot, Mopar CAP faculty and DCTC and Minnesota State Outstanding Educator 2024–2025, “but the true driving force of this partnership is the decade of consistency behind it. For approximately ten years, Dave Ydstie has served as a cornerstone of support for our automotive programs here at DCTC.
“As the regional fixed operations director for Lithia & Driveway, Dave hasn’t just provided resources; he has provided a roadmap for what our industry needs. His advocacy ensures that our training remains synonymous with high-level performance. This specific gift allows us to acquire the advanced training aids necessary for our students to master the complex systems of today’s vehicles—bridging the gap between the classroom and the service bay. We are deeply grateful for Dave’s vision and Lithia’s commitment to empowering the next generation of automotive professionals.”
Learn more by reading the Lithia & Driveway news story:
Lithia & Driveway Donates $500k, Supporting Next Generation of Technicians
Lithia & Driveway donation presentation gallery
View more event photos by opening the DCTC Flickr album:
Lithia & Driveway Donates $50,000 to Mopar (CAP) and Automotive Service Technology
More about Automotive Service Technology at DCTC…
This is a high-demand program—APPLY EARLY. Contact Admissions for more information.
Automotive technicians are skilled professionals trained to accurately diagnose mechanical problems related to engine, transmission, fuel injection, suspension, HVAC, and electrical systems. As a student in the program, you will learn to maintain and repair a range of automotive systems, including:
- Engine
- Chassis
- Drive train
- Front-wheel drive
- Fuel injection
- Hybrid/electric drive
- Electrical
- Emission
Instruction involves classroom theory, demonstrations, computer applications, and hands-on car repair. The curriculum follows highest standards defined by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. As a program graduate, you will be equipped to work for independent repair facilities and dealerships in various automotive service positions.
Award
Automotive Service Technology A.A.S. degree
72 credits
Course delivery: Daytime classes on campus
Start: Fall semester or spring semester; full-time
Automotive Service Technology Program Planning Guide (PDF)
Accreditation
The Automotive Service Technology program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
Student internship requirement
All students applying for this program are required to obtain an internship in a full-service automotive facility.
LEARN MORE…
More about Mopar CAP at DCTC…
The Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) provides you with more than a general automotive education. By incorporating the Mopar® CAP curriculum, the program equips you with the ability to turn your passion into a career.
As a Mopar CAP student, you will gain the cornerstone training and fundamental knowledge you need to work on the hottest vehicles in the industry from such legendary brands as:
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Jeep®
- Ram
- FIAT®
- Alfa Romeo
Mopar CAP certification gives you a competitive edge, showing dealers you have the essential qualifications to launch a successful automotive career at a Mopar dealership. Our Stellantis-certified Mopar CAP instructors combine critical hands-on experience with in-depth classroom instruction.
Award
Mopar CAP A.A.S. degree
72 credits
Course delivery: Daytime classes on campus
Start: Fall semester; full-time
Mopar CAP Planning Guide (PDF)
Accreditation
Mopar CAP is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
Student internship requirement
All students applying for this program are required to obtain an internship in a full-service Mopar dealership.
LEARN MORE…
Learn more about Mopar CAP and the Automotive Service Technology program at DCTC by contacting:
Admissions
admissions@dctc.edu
651-423-8266
Room 2-110
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
- Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech)
- Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic)
- Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech)
- Automotive Technician (Auto Tech)
- Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech)
- Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech)
- Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician)
- Mechanic
- Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech)
- Service Technician (Service Tech)
WAGES
Minnesota
Workers on average earn $57,470.
10 percent of workers earn $37,560 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $80,290 or more.
United States
Workers on average earn $49,670.
10 percent of workers earn $33,660 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $80,850 or more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data
Occupational Trends: Minnesota
Employment(2022): 14,360 employees
Projected employment(2032): 14,820 employees
Projected growth(2022–2032): 3 percent
Projected annual job openings(2022–2032): 1,270
Occupational Trends: United States
Employment(2024): 805,600 employees
Projected employment(2034): 839,200 employees
Projected growth(2024–2034): 4 percent — Average
Projected annual job openings (2024–2034): 70,000
Visit O*NET OnLine for comprehensive information about the occupation:
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
SOURCE: O*NET OnLine: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
