Automotive Technology
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Students entering the automotive technology program will be working toward passing Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) testing here www.ase.com.
NC3 information here https://www.nc3.net.
The automotive technician must be able to make an accurate diagnosis of a vehicles. The technician also must have good critical thinking skills and mechanical ability to repair and service vehicles. The technician must have a thorough command of highly sophisticated systems and tools.
Automotive technicians diagnose, repair and maintain gasoline cars and trucks. The day-to-day responsibilities of an automotive technician usually include:
- Diagnosing vehicle problems using experience, test driving and working with specialized computers that communicate with vehicle electronics
- Interpreting vehicle diagnostic codes to assess errors and causes of vehicle breakdown and planning how to proceed with the repair
- Working with specialized tools and equipment to repair or replace broken parts. They may use a lift to raise the vehicle to work underneath it, power tools for loosening and tightening of parts, and hand wrenches to remove parts.
- Performing required inspections and manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance, fluid level checks and following a service checklist at specified mileage intervals.
- Specializing and working in just one area of expertise can be an option.
- HVAC, Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program The EPA-Authorized Section 609 program that's required if you service mobile A/C systems.
Technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioners must be trained and tested through a U.S. EPA-authorized organization, such as ASE. Training programs must cover the use of recycling equipment in compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, refrigerant containment, and the effects on the environment. To be certified, technicians must review the training material thoroughly and then pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of the training material.
The technician also needs good reasoning ability to repair and service vehicles.
ASE Master Instructors will train you in 8 ASR areas. Examples:
- Customer relations
- Onboard diagnostics
- Powertrain control systems
- Using diagnostic tools
- Examining fuel and ignition systems
- Performing detailed sensor diagnostics
- Transaxle replacement/removal
- Electronic transmission diagnostics
- Using precision measuring instruments
Employment Stats
- Program Length 1 year (Diploma)
- Job Placement 99%
- Average Earnings $46,710 / yr
- Cost $8,699
About Program
The automotive program will provide the theory, technical, skill task development, and Automotive Service Excellence task instruction for the student to become gainfully employed in the automotive field.
The objective of this program is to provide the student with the skills and understanding necessary to repair and service automotive vehicles. Students will be exposed to basic theory and hands-on experiences in the eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification areas.
Passing of ASE Certification is strongly encouraged. https://www.ase.com/
Job Expectations
The technician also must have good critical thinking skills and mechanical ability.
Automotive technicians diagnose, repair and maintain gasoline cars and trucks. The day-to-day responsibilities of an automotive technician usually include: Automotive and engine repair experience or auto mechanic training required.
- ASE certifications required.
- Hold a valid driver license.
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and provide friendly customer service.
- Must read, interpret and transcribe data in order to maintain accurate records.
- Perform routine maintenance and other tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- May lift objects that weigh as much as 75 lbs.
- Experience as a lube technician, or prepared to do on-the-job training.
- Understanding of automotive air-conditioning systems.
- Ability to use the diagnostic equipment.
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Perform maintenance and repair on customer vehicles.
- Identify problems with vehicles using the diagnostic equipment.
- Explain automotive repairs and issues and provide great customer service.
- Plan repair procedures using charts manuals and experience.
- Test the functionality of parts and systems
- Perform basic auto care and maintenance tasks such as oil changes, fluid level checks, and tire rotation.
- Repair and replace brake pads, wheel bearings, sensors and other parts.
- Perform routine maintenance and general mechanic work on vehicles.
- Prepared to get additional certification as needed.
- Willingness to learn with hands-on training.
- Help keep repair shop clean and organized.
- Keep a professional appearance.
· HVAC, Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program The EPA-Authorized Section 609 program that's required if you service mobile A/C systems.
Technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioners must be trained and tested through a U.S. EPA-authorized organization, such as ASE. Training programs must cover the use of recycling equipment in compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, refrigerant containment, and the effects on the environment. To be certified, technicians must review the training material thoroughly and then pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of the training material.
Expected Earnings
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics median hourly wages of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.88 in May 2020. The middle 50% earned between $22.48 and $28.04 per hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $12.44, and the highest earned more than $40.71 per hour. The median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of service technicians include:
|
Local government |
$26.55 |
|
Automobile dealers |
$23.92 |
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Automotive repair and maintenance |
$21.02 |
|
|
|
|
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores |
$20.04 |
Course Schedule
Students may enroll during the fall, spring or summer term provided space is available. Students who are eligible to enroll will be given an opportunity to register for one of the open seats during the enrollment period for each term.
- Full-time classes only
- Enrollment is limited to 30 students in each class
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Full-Time Program Schedule for (semester) (Hours) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester |
Day Class |
Evening Class |
Days |
|
Fall (450 hours) |
7:45am – 2:30pm |
Not Available |
Monday - Friday |
|
Spring (450 hours) |
7:45am – 2:30pm |
Not Available |
Monday - Friday |
|
Summer (390 hours) |
7:45am – 2:45pm |
Not Available |
Monday - Friday |
Tools
Tool Box:
- Portability: Mobile, 4 Medium/ Heavy Duty Casters, 2 rigid / 2 locking swivel
- Security: Internal Locking Tumbler Mechanism (no external locking bars)
- Color: Student’s Choice
- Dimensions
- Width: 32” minimum
- Height: 38” minimum
- Depth: 19” minimum
- Minimum Drawer Count: 6
Tool Box Service Cart:
- Dimensions: 40” minimum
Total Tool Set:
- Pens
- Notebook with paper
- Mechanic’s shirt: Navy Blue
- Close-Toe Shoes with a Non-Skid Sole
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Tool Tote / Metal Tool Box
- ¼” drive Socket Set, 6 point Metric Shallow, 5-14mm
- ¼” drive Socket Set, 6 point Metric Deep, 5-14mm
- ¼” drive Ratchet
- ¼” drive Driver Handle
- ¼” drive Extensions: 2”, 4”, &6”
- ¼” drive Universal Joint
- 3/8” drive Socket Set, 6 point Metric Shallow, 8-19mm
- 3/8” drive Socket Set, 6 point Metric Deep, 8-19mm
- 3/8” drive Ratchet
- 3/8” drive Extensions: 3”, 6”, & 10”
- 3/8” drive Universal Joint
- 5/8” Spark Plug Socket, 3/8” drive
- 13/16” Spark Plug Socket, 3/8” drive
- Metric Combination Wrench Set, 8-19mm
- Pliers, Must Include: Slip Joint, Needle Nose, Adjustable Joint, Diagonal Cutters
- Screwdrivers, Flat Tip, Must Include: 3/16”, ¼”, 5/16”, & 3/8” tip sizes
- Screwdrivers, Phillips, Must Include: #1 & #2,
- Mini Pick/Awl Set
- Pocket Screwdriver, with clip
- Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool
- Telescoping Mirror
- Small, Handheld Light, Battery or Rechargeable Style
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Tire Depth Gauge
Fall Semester
Electrical (A6), and Engine Performance (A8)
Required Minimum Tool Set:
- Digital Multi-meter, Auto-Ranging Type
- (Recommended Snap-On 504 for NC3 certification.)
- Automatic Wire Stripper
- Heavy Duty Wire Crimpers
- Electrical Tape (rec. multiple rolls)
- Heat Shrink Tube Assortment
- 1/32” solder roll (small package)
Spring Semester
Steering and Suspension (A4), Manual Transmission (A3), Automatic Transmission (A2)
Required Minimum Tool Set:
- Pry-Bar Set, Including 12”, 18”, & 24”
- ½” drive Impact Wrench, Cordless or Air
- ½” drive Ratchet
- ½” drive Extensions, 3”, 6”, & 10”
- ½” drive Universal Joint
- ½” drive Impact Socket Set, 6 point Metric Shallow, 10-24mm
- ½” drive Impact Socket Set, 6 point Metric Deep, 10-24mm
- Punch/Chisel Set, Including Pin, Center, Tapered Punches, Flat Tip Chisels
- Ball Peen Hammer, 24oz
- Dead Blow Hammer, Soft Face
- Pry-Bar, 36”
- 3/8” drive Power Ratchet, Cordless or Air
Summer Semester
Heating and Air Conditioning (A7), Engine Repair (A1), Brakes (A1)
Required Minimum Tool Set:
- ½” drive Torque Wrench, min. 25-250 ft-lb. range
- Torx Socket Set, T10-T55
- Metric Hex Bit Socket Set, 4-10mm
- Feeler Gauge Set
- Laser-Point Type Infrared Thermometer
- Combination Brake Spring Pliers
- Brake Caliper Piston Tool, Spreader Type
- Brake Caliper Piston Tool, Multiple Adapter, Rotating Piston Type
- Brake Hold-Down Spring Tool
- Jumper Wire Test Lead Kit www.jumperkits.com Code ( gmasep)
- Locking Pliers, 4”, 7”, & 10”
- Tire Inflator Chuck, with Gauge
- Adjustable Wrenches, 8” & 12”
- Screwdrivers, Stubby (Standard and Phillips)
- Screwdriver, Phillips #3
- ½” drive Wheel Service Torque Extension Set
- ½” drive Thin Wall Wheel Sockets, “Flip” Style
- Drill Bit Set, 1/16”- 3/8” Range
- Oil Filter Socket Set
Cost
3 semesters = 1,290 Total clock hours.
* = Tuition will increase every fall semester
|
* Fall 450 hours |
$1,383.00 |
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Spring 450 hours |
$1,383.00 |
|
Summer 390 hours |
$1,383.00 |
|
Tools (estimate) |
$4,000.00 (Estimated Professional Grade) |
|
Books (estimate) |
$350.00 (Online with printed book/ASE study guides.) |
Special Fees Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
- Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00. Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)
- https://www.ase.com/ ASE Certifications
- EPA-Authorized Section 609 Air Condition
TCAT Special Fees
Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
- Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00. Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)
Curriculum
The automotive program will provide the classroom theory, technical, skill development, and Students will be exposed to basic theory and hands-on ASE task experiences in the eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification areas. Students entering the automotive technology program will be working toward passing Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) testing. (ASE) task instruction the objective of this program is to provide the student with the skills and understanding necessary to repair and service automotive vehicles.
Full-time classes are only offered on the main campus, and during the day.
- Fall / Spring Classes (7:45AM - 2:30PM)
- Summer Classes (7:45AM - 2:45PM)
- On-Campus Laboratory: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Friday: Online
Factory Training
Every student has the following factory trainings available to them. These trainings directly transfer to dealership credit.
- Ford Motors factory ACE training
- Subaru Factory Training
- Toyota Factory Training
Automotive Fall Term - 450 Clock Hours
- Electrical & Electronics ASE A6
- Snap-On 504 Meter/ NC3 Certification
- Engine Performance ASE A8
- Snap-On Verus Pro/ NC3 certification
Automotive Spring Term - 450 Clock Hours
- Automotive Suspension and Steering System ASE A4
- Snap-On Undercar/ NC3 Certification
- Manual Transmission and Transaxles ASE A3
- Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles ASE A2
Automotive Summer Term - 390 Clock Hours
- Auto Heating & Air Conditioning ASE A7
- Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program: This EPA-Authorized Section 609 testing certification is required if you service mobile A/C systems.
- Auto Engine Repair & Rebuilding ASE A1
- Auto Brakes ASE A5