Technical

Courses

Click on any of the courses listed below to explore their descriptions.

Auto Technology

INSTRUCTORS

Mr. Stephen Bruno

Mr. Donald Bray

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Automotive Technology program has been specifically designed to prepare students to continue their training at post-secondary schools. The program follows the ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) and AYES (Automobile Youth Education Service) task list. 
The program content consists of classroom instruction in automotive fundamentals, automotive electrical systems, automotive engines and diagnosis. Students are also instructed in automotive electronics, steering and suspension, brake engine management systems, air conditioning; and PA Safety and Emission Inspection procedures. The program utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, computer-based learning and hands-on lab work for an effective learning process. Student enthusiasm is enhanced by the excitement of participating in various automotive skills contests offering prizes and scholarship money.

OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION
Automotive service technicians use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Nearly half of automotive service technicians work more than 40 hours a week. Some may also work evenings and weekends to satisfy customer service needs. Generally, service technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and -lighted repair shops. However, some shops are drafty and noisy. Although some problems can be fixed with simple computerized adjustments, technicians frequently work with dirty and greasy parts, and in awkward positions. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but technicians can usually avoid serious accidents if the shop is kept clean and orderly, and safety practices are observed.

PROJECTED SALARIES
Median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $15.60 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.31 and $20.75 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.70, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $26.22 per hour. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of service technicians in May 2004 were as follows:

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Job opportunities in this occupation are expected to be very good for persons who complete automotive training programs in high school, vocational and technical schools, or community colleges as employers report difficulty in finding workers with the right skills. Persons with good diagnostic and problem-solving abilities, and whose training includes basic electronics and computer courses, should have the best opportunities. For well-prepared people with a technical background, automotive service technician careers offer an excellent opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work with vehicles incorporating the latest in advanced technology. However, persons without formal automotive training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs.

POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
Northampton Community College
Camden Community College
Penn Technical College
Ohio Technical College
Universal Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute
Montgomery Community College
Automotive Training Center