Required Supplies:

Safety glasses
Gloves
Uniform

Textbook:

CDX Global - On-line curriculum

Wages and Employment Trends:

Median Wages (2004)
$15.68 hourly
$32,610 annually

Employment (2004)
803,000 employees

Projected Growth (2004-2014)
Average (10-20%)

Projected Need (2004-2014)
339,000 additional employees

AUTO MECHANICSJoseph Balaban
JBalaban@wactc.net
(724) 746-2890 ext. 125

Course Objective:

Students will obtain education and skills to work as mechanics in the automobile industry.

 

Course Description:

The three-year Automotive Mechanics program is for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students.  This program will prepare students for employment in the auto repair industry working with parts, tune-ups, brakes, transmissions, electrical and fuel systems.  The program will also assist in the diagnosis and repair of various drivability conditions, and routine vehicle maintenance.

 

Course Topics:

Identification and functions of all major components of a motor vehicle
Safety procedures for roadside and workshop repairs
General and specialized tools
Transmission and engine repairs
Brakes
Hydraulics and suspension
Electrical systems
Air conditioning, heaters, etc.
Lubricants
Coolants
Vehicle roadworthiness
Workplace skills in accordance with American Service Excellence (ASE), National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)

 

Cooperating Companies:

Arrowhead Service – Houston, PA
Denny Ford Auto Service, Inc. – Washington, PA
Houston Auto Service, Inc. – Houston, PA
O.S. Hill & Co - Eighty Four, PA
Opeka Auto Repair Company – McMurray, PA

 

Specialized Shop Equipment:

4 wheel alignment machine
Tire changing and balancing equipment
Scan tools
Brake rotor / drum lathes
Various power tools (electric and air) and hand tools

 

Certifications:

American Service Excellence (ASE)
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
PA Skills Certificate

Articulation Agreements:Community College of Allegheny County – Automotive Technology
Ohio Technical College – Automotive or Diesel Technician

Post-Secondary Training Options:Community College of Allegheny County – Automotive Engineering Technology
Ohio Technical College – Auto/Diesel Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology -- Automotive Engineering Technology
Rosedale Technical Institute – Automotive Mechanics Technology
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – Automotive Mechanics Technology

Potential Careers:

Automotive Sales Parts Manager
Emission Technician Service Manager
Insurance Adjuster Auto Dealer Technician
State Inspection Technician Transmission Specialist
Tire and Suspension Specialist Service Station Proprietor
Engine Performance Specialist Brake System Specialist
Air Conditioning and Heating Specialist Service Advisor
Parts specialist  

Auto Mechanics Skills:Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.