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1. What kind of skills do you need to have from the start to do well in the DISL program?

You need to have a passion for working on vehicles and for working with your hands. We use tools to repair the vehicles. You also need soft skills which include coming to class on time, having a good attitude, and good working ethics is key. With that, you can be trained. There was a student that did not know what a screwdriver was, graduated, and in 6 months was pulling an hourly income of $24 an hour! Note: this is not typical. He worked very hard staying back, reading the books, asking questions, and working hard in the lab.

2. Where have graduates been able to get jobs in the past?

Many of them are currently working at: TheBus, as a service attendant and mechanic. Hawthorne Cat hired a handful of them. Other local places include: HT&T trucking, Polynesian Adventure tours, Robert’s Hawaii, Soder Holmes, Nan Inc, and Enterprise holding company.

3. What kind of salary can I hope for after finishing my degree?

Typical starting pay range from $13 – $17 an hour. Most journeyman technicians can pull in an annual incomer of $70k a year or more!

4. Is the DISL program certified? And why is that important?

We are currently accredited through ASEEF (Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation) in the master status which means you receive a high level of education. Many mainland schools are accredited by ASEEF and as a result you can get the same education here without traveling to the mainland.

5. How much do the textbooks and the tools cost?

The cost for textbooks is about $360 and the required hand tools cost about $2500

6. When and where are the DISL classes offered?

Monday through Thursday 7:00am – 12:50pm

The classes are located at Building 44 Room 105 located at the makai end of Kokea Street

7. Are there any major classes offered in the evening or through distance education?

There are no DISL courses offered in the evening but currently the courses are offered as hybrid which would require students to be online at times and physically on campus at other times.

8. What are the program prerequisites?

Placement in ENG 100; MATH 50 or placement into MATH 150 or higher.

9. How often are the first semester courses offered?

Every fall semester during an even year.

10. Are there any tips that a student can follow to succeed in the DISL program?

As a student you need to do your part in reading the book. This will help you to learn new concepts. After reading the book, you answer the chapter review questions (10 questions). A power point presentation of the chapter is done typically via zoom (it is recorded for future reference). The final puzzle is completing lab sheets that reinforces your reading and allows you to apply what was learned through your tools and hands.

11. Should you purchase textbooks before the semester begins?

Yes, it is required, or you will fall behind. You have an option of purchasing an E book that can be viewed using a computer or even your phone. There is also a read to you feature that reads the text to you!

12. How should you come dressed on the 1st day of your first major course?

You are to be dressed as a technician. You should wear a navy-blue button shirt, navy-blue work pants, and leather shoes. Bring your tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that includes safety glasses, mask, ear protection. Every student is required to wear safety glasses in the lab at ALL TIMES – No Exceptions.

13. Should new students come to the 1st class prepared with their tools?

It is not required. But you will need your tool kit within a few weeks, or you may be sent home.

14. What is the difference between a Certificate and an Associate degree?

The certificate requires no general education and only the first two semesters of major courses. The associate degree requires 16 credits of general education and four semesters of major courses.

15. Can I get a Certificate of Achievement and then later come back to get my Associate in Applied Science degree?

Yes, but since the courses are offered every other year, you would need to pay close attention as to when the 3rd and 4th semester DISL courses are offered.

16. If you take a break from college, can you follow the old program requirements or do you have to follow the current requirements?

If your break has been one semester then you can follow the old requirements. If your break has been one year or longer, see an academic counselor.

17. Are there any apprenticeships available?

In some rare occasions, the need may arise from companies, and they will work with the student’s schedule. It’s a great opportunity for both parties.