Automotive Technician

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
CERTIFICATE IN AUTOMOTIVE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR
CERTIFICATE IN BRAKE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING REPAIR
CERTIFICATE IN DRIVE TRAIN REPAIR
CERTIFICATE IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REPAIR
CERTIFICATE IN ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CERTIFICATE IN ENGINE REPAIR

About the Career

Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of automotive service technicians and mechanics. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately – a most valuable skill – requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.

The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from simply mechanical to high technology. In a report to Congress on the Job Training Partnership Act, the United States General Accounting Office (GAO) listed automobile technicians among the highest skill-level occupations, on par with electronics technicians and computer programmers. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical information.

Employment growth will continue to be concentrated in motor vehicle dealerships and independent automotive repair shops. Many new jobs will also be created in small retail operations that offer after-warranty repairs, such as oil changes, brake repair, air conditioner service, and other minor repairs generally taking less than four hours to complete.

About the Program

The automotive curriculum at Midlands Technical College provides students with an up-to-date training program that will develop their knowledge of automotive theory and operational skills. Students prepare to enter the career field through hands-on training emphasizing:

• diagnostic and electrical service,

• engine overhaul,

• air conditioning repair,

• all phases of suspension and brake service,

• engine performance,

• reconditioning and replacement of component parts of automatic and manual transmissions.

In addition to general career training in automotive technology, MTC prepares students to become certified in a specialty by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.). A.S.E. certifies technicians in eight specialty areas in automotive technology and is nationally recognized by the automotive industry as the foremost organization for professional certification. Certification examinations are administered twice annually at selected sites throughout the United States including Midlands Technical College. Areas of certification include: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Brakes, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Electrical Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, Manual Drive Train and Axle, Steering and Suspension.

Articulation opportunities may provide qualified high school graduates with advanced placement in the program. There’s no need to wait; MTC accepts new students into the program every semester and works around a student’s busy schedule by offering day or evening courses.

This program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.