Students will obtain education and skills to work as mechanics in the automobile industry.
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 engines, brakes, steering, suspension, engine performance, and electrical. The program will also assist in the diagnosis and repair of various drivability conditions, and routine vehicle maintenance.
Identification and functions of all major components of a motor vehicle
Safety procedures for automotive shop repairs
General and specialized tools
Transmission and engine repairs
Brakes
Hydraulics and suspension
Electrical systems
Air conditioning, heaters, etc.
Lubricants
Coolants
Vehicle roadworthiness
Arrowhead Service – Houston, PA
Budd Baer Inc. – Washington, PA
Denny Ford Auto Service, Inc. – Washington, PA
LSI Karcher
O.S. Hill & Co., Inc. – Eighty Four, PA
Rohrich Automotive Group
South Hill Chrysler, McMurray, PA
Vasko Dodge
Washington Ford
4 wheel alignment machine
Tire changing and balancing equipment
Scan tools
Brake rotor / drum lathes
Various power tools (electric and air) and hand tools
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in one or more of the four major categories offered
Pending - National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
PA Skills Certificate
PA State Vehicle Inspection
PA Emission Inspection
Community College of Allegheny County – Automotive Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology – Automotive Technology/Automotive Service Technician
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
Automotive Sales
Parts Manager
Parts Specialist
Emission Technician
Service Manager
Service Advisor
Transmission Specialist
Auto Dealer Technician
Insurance Adjuster
Tire and Suspension Specialist
Service Station Proprietor
Brake System Specialist
Engine Performance Specialist
Air Conditioning and Heating 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.
Median Wages (2009) $17.03 hourly, $35,420 annually
Employment (2008) 764,000 employees
Projected Growth (2008-2018) Slower than average (3% to 6%)
Projected Need (2008-2018) 181,700 additional employees
