About Our Program
This Level One certificate prepares students for employment as entry-level technicians for routine vehicle maintenance responsibilities in lubrication, brake installation, tire service, suspension repair and alignment, and minor automotive electrical.
Nature of Work and Employment
Students find jobs repairing and servicing passenger cars, trucks, and other automotive vehicles. Some jobs in the automotive field may be for general technicians, while others are for specialists in engines, brakes, drive lines, transmissions, steering/suspension, electrical systems, computer controlled systems, or heating and air conditioning. Employment opportunities for trained technicians are excellent due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the growing complexity of automotive technology.
Program Outcomes
The following outcomes meet or exceed ASEEF requirements and satisfy industry entry-level skill sets. At the end of the year, students will have the following skill sets:
- Work safely in the shop environment.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills.
• Generate and complete repair orders
• Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette and face-to-face customer interaction - Demonstrate professionalism (work ethic, soft skills).
- Use the correct tool(s) for needed maintenance.
- Develop and utilize necessary problem solving skills to determine and perform basic vehicle maintenance & inspection.
- Perform vehicle safety inspection(s).
- Students that complete the two-year program will gain more advanced service techniques, which include the following: Utilize diagnostic equipment to investigate issues with the following systems:
• Engine oil-monitoring system
• Anti-lock braking system
• Tire pressure-monitoring system
• Electrical/electronic circuit repair
Program Contacts
Call Highland at 815-235-6121 for the following program contacts:
- Dr. Matt Magee, Dean of Agriculture, Business & Technology
- Kristin Akins, Automotive Technology Faculty
- David Albrecht, Automotive Technology Faculty
- Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor/Transfer Coordinator
