Automotive Service Technology I470608
Classes
Course Info
Length: 20 Months (1800 Clock Hours)
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 8 am-2 pm
(Summer schedule subject to
change.)
Automotive Service
Technology Standards:
CASAS (Reading and Math)TABE Test Scores: 239 Reading, 584 Language and 236 in
Math OR meet
TABE exemption (refer to Admissions and Testing)
This program is approved by the National Automotive Technicians
Education Foundation.
2020-2021 Curriculum Framework
Program Requirements:
Students must be at
least 18 and have a valid Florida driver's license.
Program
Description
The Automotive Services Technology program prepares students to
become state-of-the-art automotive technicians who can analyze, repair and
maintain high-tech automobiles to manufacturer's specifications.
Automotive Technology uses a computer managed laboratory and actual hands-on
work to train the automotive technicians of the future. The course of study
takes students through brakes, suspension and steering, engine performance and
repair, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions and drivelines,
electrical systems, and air conditioning systems.
Students are prepared to take ASE certification tests which can be a condition
of employment and enables employers to offer better starting salaries. The
program and the instructors are ASE Master Certified.
Book and Supply Information
For the most current list of books and supplies, please contact the Student Services
Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Employment/Career
Opportunities
Career opportunities include technician, service writer, service manager
and shop owner.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates range from $11.20-$21.70 per hour. The
average salary for an experienced technician is about $45-50,000. Potential
yearly earnings can be as high as $75,000+.
Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market
Statistics
NOTE:
A history of felony convictions, substance abuse or a poor driving
record may adversely affect your ability to gain employment in this field.
We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate
career choices.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What specific math
skills are needed in this field?
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals are needed in this field.
What specific personal
characteristics make for good mechanics?
In today's world good mechanics are called 'Auto Technicians'. They
must be prepared to work closely with managers and customers and present
themselves as clean, well dressed technicians who take pride in their
work.
What does it mean to be
ASE Certified and how important is it?
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is a nationally recognized technician
certification. It certifies one's competence in the knowledge of various
automobile areas. ASE certifications can greatly influence employment
opportunities and/or salary level.
Which parts of the
program are more difficult than others?
Difficulty varies with the individual; most students find that their strong
points differ from the strong points of their classmates. Many students
specialize in particular repair areas. The better technicians always have an
understanding of all repair areas. Examples of the more difficult knowledge
areas are Electrical Systems and Engine Performance.
Is there any computer
training in the program?
Yes, due to the complexity of today's automobile, each course has
automobile computer training. The 'computer literacy' component of the program
prepares students for the necessary skills to use today's diagnostic equipment
and information related to service and repair.
What are the local
employment opportunities for auto technicians within the next 2 - 3
years?
Hillsborough County registered more than 13,000 additional cars last year.
The demand for more repair technicians, to cover the additional cars, has been
falling far short. This, of course, means job security and higher wages. Our
school receives a tremendous number of job offerings. We could double the
number of graduates and still not be able to fill every position in the local
area.
What are my potential
earnings when I become ASE certified?
Earnings depend on individual skill, certifications, and place of
employment. Entry level salaries are usually $11.20-$21.70 per hour. The
average yearly salary for an experienced technician is about $45-50,000.
Potential yearly earnings can be as high as $75,000+.
What career
opportunities are available in this field?
Automotive service technicians can move into other job areas such as
service advisor, service manager, or general manager. Most companies prefer to
promote technicians, who have established records in their firm, to these
positions.
Where have graduates
found employment?
Erwin
Automotive students have found employment to a large extent at local automobile
dealerships and nationally recognized auto repair franchises, but some prefer a
smaller independent, mom and pop type of facility. All major vehicle brands,
tire and auto centers and independent repair shops have Erwin graduates working
on their service teams. With the recommendation of their instructors, students
have been placed with Reeves Imports, Autoway Dealerships, Courtesy
Dealerships, Carmax, Stadium, Ferman, Jerry Ulm, Bill Currie, Parks, Kuhn, and
Hondaland, just to name some of our best placements. Tire and Auto centers such
as Sears, Pep Boys, Goodyear, Firestone, Tire Kingdom, and Olin Mott also
employ many of our former students. The fact is any Erwin automotive student
who completes our program and wants a job has no problem finding satisfying
employment.
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee
representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and
recommendations.
How can I learn more
about this career field?
Click here for more
information