Automotive Technology

Program Description

Mr. Brian Parks

The Automotive Technology program includes the subject matter and learning activities that are concerned with principles and skill development in Automotive Technology.

The program is comprised of classroom instruction and laboratory experiences (in and out of school) which meet ASE/NATEF standards. Instruction and learning experiences are provided to develop fundamental knowledge, skills, abilities, values, appreciations and attitudes in entrepreneurship, leadership, and employability skills for entering and advancing in an automotive technology occupation. Laboratory experiences are provided to develop the student’s competence in the basic principles of the Automotive field as well as related skills in Automotive Technology. The program is competency-based and not time driven.

Population to be Served

The Automotive Technology program is open to all students interested in pursuing employment involving automobiles, or in pursuing post-secondary education leading to employment in the automotive field.

Field Experience

Field experience is an integral part of each student’s program provided through in-school laboratory and out-of-school entrepreneurship and job-placement experiences. These experiences are cooperatively planned by the student, employer and instructor. The instructor supervises the experiences, maintains training plans and, along with the student, keeps appropriate records of experiences and competencies gained.

Career Opportunities

Auto Electrician
Automotive Parts Salesperson
Automotive Air Conditioning Technician
Brake and Front-End Technician
Computerized Engine Control Specialist
Engine Machinist
General Repair Technician
High Performance and Racing Specialist
Licensed Smog Technician
Manufacturer Service Engineer
Service Advisor
Service Manager
Technical Instructor
Technical Sales Rep
Transmission Technician
Tune-up Technician

What it's All About

A young man is standing beside a row of personal computers in an old, capacious building. He types hurriedly on a keyboard as colleagues scurry around him. He could be mistaken for a computer-modeling specialist working in a business incubator. He's not. He's an auto mechanic.

Underneath the hood of today's cars sophisticated computer systems hum along, regulating everything from braking function to emission control. To service these high-tech machines, mechanics - now known as auto technicians - must possess both computer skills and hands-on knowledge.

Despite lucrative pay, good benefits, and strong demand for their services by car dealerships and repair shops, there are more jobs open than there are specialists to fill them.

The nation is facing a shortfall of 60,000 auto technicians, according to an estimate from the Labor Department. Based on the latest data from the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 867,000 auto technicians nationwide in 2002, compared to 906,000 technicians a decade ago.