Automotive Repair Technology

www.wwcc.edu/programs/automotive-repair-technology/

Program available at/via: [Walla Walla] [Corrections Education - CRCC]

Department Overview: Automotive Repair Technology provides intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on application. The program is accredited and certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and is led by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master certified instructors. Instructors provide students the fundamental knowledge and experience needed to become entry level technicians in the automotive industry. The Automotive Repair Technology curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members annually.

Program Level Outcomes:

Maintain ASE/NATEF standards through full implementation of related curriculum and student outcome measures.
Improve marketability of students to employers as a result of successful completion of the total ASE/NATEF program of instruction.
Maintain and enhance high school and university articulation agreements.
Keep curriculum up-to-date with input from industry through the Automotive Repair Technology advisory committee.
Secure automotive industry support for provision of equipment and training materials.

Degrees:

Students may earn an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Automotive Repair Technology upon completion of the two-year program of study. An Automotive Repair Technology Certificate is available upon completion of the first year of study in the program.

Students who earn their AAS in Automotive Repair Technology may also earn a dual degree in Diesel Technology or Auto Body Repair Technology. Please speak with your instructor about the required and specific classes needed.

Students wishing to transfer to Montana State University Northern (MSUN) located in Havre, MT to obtain a bachelor of science degree in automotive technology must successfully complete the Automotive Repair Technology AAS degree prior to transferring to MSUN. Successful completion of specific support classes at WWCC is necessary for transfer to MSUN. See WWCC Automotive Repair Technology program director for more information.

Industry Description: The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that have gasoline engines. There is a tremendous demand for well-trained Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified automotive technicians. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology such as alternative fuel vehicles now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Service technicians use a variety of tools in their work: electronic diagnostic scan tools to diagnose and repair on-board computer systems; power tools such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly; machine tools like lathes to service brakes; grinding machines to rebuild cylinder heads; welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems; and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines.

Entrance Requirements: It is recommended that the student contact the program director/lead instructor regarding appropriate program placement. For more information, please contact at 509.527.3659, or autotech@wwcc.edu

Other Information: For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.careerbridge.wa.gov.

Courses

Auto Mechanics