Porter and Chester Institute | WrenchWay Top Schools

About Us

Career education and training at Porter and Chester Institute in Worcester, MA is designed to give you the technical skills you need to become a valued employee in today's competitive workforce. The hybrid, online and on-campus learning models in our 7 industry-modeled programs offer you flexibility to fit your education around your life schedule. Our Automotive Technology program can help you acquire the skills you need to diagnose, repair, and maintain most car makes and models. With automotive training from Porter and Chester Institute, you can be prepared to work in several automotive settings such as an independent service center or a car dealership in as few as 12 months!

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Under The Hood

Provide a quick overview of the program (i.e., time to complete, credits, type of degree, etc.).

FAST FACTS - Hybrid and Electrical vehicle training at our Worcester, MA campus - Hybrid (day and evening) and residential (on campus) options offered at Worcester campus - Graduates earn a diploma - Program Length: 12 months

Is this a full or part time program?

The Automotive Technology program at Porter and Chester Institute is a full time program.

Describe how classes are conducted (i.e, in-person, online, in the shop, etc.).

DELIVERY OF HYBRID INSTRUCTION On Campus Labs: - Campus Lab Hours Day Program: 9am – 3pm - 2-3 Lab sessions per week, based on course needs - Campus Lab Hours Evening Program: 5pm – 9pm - 2-3 Lab sessions per week, based on course needs Online Learning - Students will need approximately 30 hours per week for instruction, activities, labs, reading assignments, and homework - All materials are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/7 days a week - Classes in the residential option meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

What does the program cost?

Total cost $30,295 (Includes: Tuition, tool kit, laptop, eBooks/books, materials, uniforms, and student fees)

What types of financial assistance or scholarships are available?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Our team will work with you to determine what you’re eligible for and how to pay for school.

Describe the application process and eligibility.

At Porter and Chester Institute, we're making it easier than ever for you to enroll using our automated application portal. Upload your documents and start the financial aid process without the hassle of drawn-out application processes. And our admissions staff is still available to help you every step of the way. Taking control of your career just got easier!

What types of work-based learning opportunities do you offer?

Our full-time Career Services staff is dedicated to helping you find a career you’re most likely to flourish. We’ll help you with your job search and also with your resume and cover letter. We’ll teach you how to prepare for interviews and even give you tips on the kinds of questions you might be asked –and how best to answer them.

Describe your annual placements (i.e., number of students, percent who find a job in the industry, etc.).

While employment is not guaranteed, our Career Service Advisors are dedicated to helping you find the right job for you! We'll help you with your job search, and also with resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills.

What types of salaries can students expect after graduating and as they advance in their career?

Visit the following link for current job outlook and potential salary information: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm.

Is there anything unique about your program that you’d like to mention?

The program helps prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests and graduates may choose to become certified once the tests are passed and the ASE work experience requirements are met. Students have the opportunity to earn ASE Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Certification.

What general and specialty tools does the school provide?

School auto lab is equipped with the tools needed to repair most all make and model vehicles. Students also receive a basic Snap On starter tool set so they are prepared to enter the field as an automotive technician.

What tools, if any, is a student responsible for providing?

None

When in the lab, how much one-on-one time does an instructor get with each student?

Instructors interact with students throughout the entire time students are in labs. Students often work in small groups to complete required tasks as well as instructor led instructions.

What is the split between time spent in the classroom versus hands-on learning?

Students complete didactic assignments online and come to the campus for hands on learning.

What does the school do to ensure students stay safe while in the lab?

Safety is paramount at PCI. Student are taught proper safety procedures to work on vehicles and are required to wear proper PPE's while in the lab.

What types of processes does the lab have to ensure a clean working environment?

Our automotive lab is climate controlled and students must maintain a clean work area at all times.

Does the school have access to factory software? If so, please explain.

Not at this time.

What types of service and parts software are available for the students to access?

Our students have access to AllData and MotorLogic. Two very common repair software programs.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the lab environment?

Our automotive lab is a licensed repair shop in the city of Worcester which allows our students to work on real world repairs that they would expect to see out in the field.

COURSE LISTINGS

Engine Repair Engine Diagnostics Heating Shop Management Engine Electrical Systems Body Control Systems Air Conditioning Electricity for Engine Performance Engine Performance Brakes Suspension and Steering Welding Fundamentals Automatic Transmission Manual Transmission Driveline Systems

Aksonethip Keomanivong

Hi, my name is Aksonethip Keomanivong better known as Mr. K. I graduated from Porter and Chester Institute in Westborough, Massachusetts in 2011 and came to work at Porter and Chester Worcester Massachusetts campus, as an automotive instructor, in July 2020. Working in the automotive industry has been a passion of mine since High School. I have worked as an automotive technician for the past 10 years. Since becoming an instructor my passion has shifter to helping every committed student succeed as an automotive technician, and learn through my trials and errors as a technician.

George Rosenblad

Hi, my name is George Rosenblad and I am the Automotive Program Coordinator for at our Worcester Massachusetts campus. I have been with Porter and Chester since August 2009, training our next generation of automotive technicians. I have worked in the automotive industry for 40 years. During this time, I have achieved a Master Certification from ASE and Chrysler corporation. I also have experience working as a Warranty Administrator and as a Service Manager for Toyota Corporation.

Shop Talk

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Porter and Chester Institute Worcester Campus Tour