• Home >
• Programs and Career Options >
• Career Programs >
• Transportation >
• Automotive Technology >
• Program Description

An automotive technician of today must be a versatile person willing to deal with customers as well as repair automobiles.  Today's technicians work with computers and other sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

Some of the graduates of this program will work in shops as general line technicians performing work on all systems of the vehicle.  Others will work in specialty shops that specialize in specific areas of the vehicle such as brakes or transmissions.

Graduates may also work in related areas such as service advising or parts distribution.

Typical Duties

• Diagnose & repair drivability problems
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical problems
• Prepare repair estimates
• Perform basic automobile service
• Perform computerized four wheel alignments
• Diagnose & repair transmission and drive trains
• Service & repair heating and air conditioning systems
• Perform brake service
• Advise customers
• Attend classes & seminars to stay current in the field
• Maintain equipment used in shops

Performance Standards

The automotive technician must have sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:

• Lift and move the various components of an automobile.
• Move toolboxes, floor jacks and other portable devices freely about the shop area.

The Automotive Technician must be capable of:

• Reading and interpreting various shop manuals and technical bulletins
  associated with the automobile.
• Reading and interpreting as well as writing repair orders.
• Communicating verbally with customers, parts personnel and management.
• Interpreting electrical wiring schematics and diagrams.

The Automobile Technician must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:

• Logically solve mechanical problems.
• Absorb and understand the new technology as it evolves.
• Interpret electronic meters including oscilloscopes.