Automotive Technology

Course Description

Automotive Technology is a two-year program for juniors and seniors. This course is designed to meet the needs of the automotive industry in maintenance and light repair by introducing students to the diagnosis and repair of today’s automobiles with their precision-built automatic mechanisms, complex electronic circuitry, and advanced power units. 

Course Objectives

• Understand, express, and apply the principles and theory underlying the design, construction and operating of various automotive engine components that relate to engine diagnosis, maintenance, and repair.
• Communicate using trade terms pertaining to engines, parts, components, materials and their uses.
• Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to be a competent automotive technician, as well as a “productive product of society”.
• Identify and demonstrate personal qualifications that are important in acquiring and maintaining employment as an automotive technician.
• Practice safe, clean, trade-like working habits.
• Independently use shop-service manuals, flat rate manuals and other reference materials as necessary in order to prepare and present accurate job cost estimates.
• Students will be active participants in the intra-curricular career and technical organization, SkillsUSA.

Articulated Credit

OTC

AUM 121 Engine Diagnosis and Repair

AUM 171 Electrical I

AUM 210 Brakes

AUM 215 Steering and Suspension 

Industry certifications

ASE

S/P2 Safety Certification 

Related Occupations and Salary

A majority of automotive technicians are employed by new car dealers, independent repair shops, or parts distributors. Some are self-employed. With the increasing complexity of automotive technologies and growing vehicle price tags, the highest demanding and best paying jobs as an automotive service professional will be plentiful for those who finish a post secondary formal training program. As of 2016 there were 749,900 automotive tech/mechanic related jobs, this is expected to grow by at 6% by 2026. 

Related Occupations:
Automotive Service Technician
Alignment Tech
Service Manager
State Motor Vehicle Inspector
Insurance Adjuster
Parts Sales / Distribution
Dealership / Independent Shop Owner
Fleet Service Tech
Mobile Service Tech
Automotive Engineer
Machinist
Lube / Maintenance Tech
Automotive Audio / Entertainment / Electronics Tech
New/Used Vehicle Sales
High Performance / Racing / Restoration Tech

Salary

Missouri: Hourly mean wage is $20.08 with an annual mean salary of $41,760.
National: Hourly mean wage is $19.02 with an annual mean salary of $39,550