SANTA ANA, Calif. -- The College of Automotive Management, which trains students for careers in the automotive, financial and related services industries, is opening its newest campus in Northern California, said Eric Andersen, president and CEO.

"We are excited to be expanding our program to Northern California," Andersen said. "Over the years we have received numerous inquiries from prospective students in the Bay Area. I’m pleased they will now have a campus to call their own."

The branch location is set to open April 26 at the Hacienda Lakes office complex in Pleasanton.

The College of Automotive Management, now in its 12th year, also has classroom facilities in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties in Southern California. The first in a series of free Career Nights will take place at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Pleasanton on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. Other Career Nights will follow at the same time and location on March 13, March 27 and April 17.

Sharon D. Van Brunt, a longtime automotive industry executive who most recently served as sales manager for Bill Lang Mazda, Pontiac and Cadillac in Vallejo, CA, has been appointed as managing director and chief instructor of the Pleasanton school.

"I appreciate the opportunity to train the next generation of automotive executives in Northern California," said Van Brunt, who graduated from the College of Automotive Management more than 11 years ago. Van Brunt also holds a degree in business administration from La Salle University in Chicago. "The automotive industry is changing, and education is the key to its future," Van Brunt said.

Formal classroom training at the new Pleasanton location, 4472 Willow Road, will be limited to 12 students per month, with class sessions held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for four consecutive weeks. Students will be immersed in learning automotive retail processes, with a focus on F&I and loan underwriting procedures. They will receive diplomas upon graduation.

Students who plan to pursue an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree can transfer up to 28 educational credit units earned at the College of Automotive Management to any of the degree programs offered at Northwood University. Northwood offers residence and correspondence degree programs in Automotive Marketing and Management as well as other business disciplines.

For information on enrolling at the College of Automotive Management’s new Northern California branch location, or its classrooms in Southern California, call (800) 255-9110 or visit the school's Web site at www.collegeofautomotive.com.