Automotive Technology

All eight areas of the Automotive Technology Program been certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation. The goal of the Automotive Technology Program is to meet the occupational and technical training and retraining needs of the local automotive service industry by:

(1) Offering full time and supplemental training in response to local employment demands.
(2) Offering individualized instruction based on individual student needs and abilities.
(3) Being committed to achieving customer satisfaction through continuous improvement and retraining of the instructor and upgrading the lab and instructional equipment on an ongoing basis.
(4) Emphasizing the development of work ethics consistent with employee success; and, (5) making training opportunities available to all that possess the desire and potential to excel in the automotive service industry. The program provides instruction in the classroom and gives hands-on experience using modern computerized engine analysis equipment, front-end alignment machines, brake repair equipment, and state-of-the-art equipment for repairing and diagnosing today’s high-tech automobiles.

Length of Program
The average length of the competency-based program is 2160 hours (20 months) for full-time students. Actual time is dependent upon enrollment and the length of time it takes to achieve each competency. This program contains several completion points designed to prepare students for various entry-level jobs within the automotive field. A certificate may be awarded after each unit of instruction is completed. A diploma is awarded when all outlined courses are completed.

Admission Requirements This program operates on an open-entry, open-exit basis. Students may enter the program anytime during the school year, subject to space availability. Students must be at least 18 years old and not attending public school. However, high school students may attend through dual enrollment provided it is approved by their school counselor, the local school administrator and the technology center director.

Units of Study:
Engine Repair
Automotive Electrical
Engine Performance
Chassis and Steering
Manual Transmissions/Transaxles
Automotive Transmissions/Transaxles
Automotive Brakes
Heating/Air Conditioning

Certificate Awards*
Safety and Orientation......................................2 weeks
Engine Repair Technician....................................2 months
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Technician.................2 months
Manual Drive Train and Axles Technician.....................1.5 months
Suspension and Steering Technician..........................1.5 months
Brake Technician............................................1.5 months
Electrical/Electronics System Technician....................4.0 months
Heating and A/C.............................................1.5 months
Engine Performance..........................................4.0 months
Service Station Mechanic....................................Varies

Diploma Awards
Automotive Technician...........................20 months
Automotive Technician Apprentice................20 months

Class Hours
Classes meet from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Herman Robinson Campus, 1500 Arney Street, Elizabethton.
* Safety and Orientation is not included but is mandatory for all Certificate Awards.