Automotive Technology
You must download Flash to view this video.
Click Here for Closed Captioning.You must download Flash to view this video.
Automotive service technicians' and mechanics' responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. Today, integrated electronic systems and computers regulate vehicles and their performance while on the road. The sophistication of cars requires computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components along with traditional hand tools. You’ll need a broad knowledge of how vehicles' complex components work and interact to succeed in this industry.
This Center of Excellence program is for juniors and seniors who want to prepare for entry-level employment in the field of maintenance and repair of passenger cars and light trucks or who would like to prepare to enter a college automotive technology program.
Credit hours
You can earn up to 10 credit hours with Metropolitan Community College. MCC has five Associate in Applied Science degrees and three career certificates in Automotive Technology. The program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
What you’ll learn.
The two year course is intended to prepare you, hands-on, for entry-level jobs as a technician in maintenance and repair
of passenger cars and light trucks.
During the first year, you will spend about 75% of your time in classroom instruction and 25% in labs. Proficiency in use of automotive service tools and instruction in the more advanced scientific and mechanical principles on the automobile will be an important part of your training experience.
During your second year, approximately 75% of the your time will be spent repairing customer-owned vehicles with emphasis in the use of test equipment for diagnosing engine malfunction. Classroom instruction will involve the introduction of more technical information about the power plant, power train, automotive electronics, transmissions, and automotive air conditioning.
Schedule
The full program is two years of classes. You may take one or both levels.
You’ll take classes at
Herndon Career Center
11501 E. 350 Highway
Raytown, MO 64138
Prerequisites
Minimum 2.0 GPA
90% attendance
Reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level
Strong mechanical aptitude
Though not required, Computer Applications, Keyboarding and Industrial Technology courses are recommended.
Demand and Pay
Below are wages and expected employment growth according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration’s O*NET career exploration and job analysis tool.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (career certificate or associate’s degree)
Median wages: $17.03 hourly, $35,420 annual
Number of people already in the industry: 764,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 181,700
Skills, character and physical traits of successful people in this career:
- Using electrical/electronic testing instruments
- Using mechanics hand and power tools
- Repairing mechanical objects
- Following written repair work orders
- Observing and diagnosing mechanical problems
- Operating computerized diagnostic equipment in mechanics
- Problem identification
To apply
Contact your high school counseling office to complete an application, student contract and student essay of interest. Your school will determine if you meet the program criteria. If you do not, but your counselor or principal feel you can be successful in the program, they can recommend you.
