Transportation & Distribution
Automotive Technology
Program Summary
Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the jobs of automotive service technicians and mechanics. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.
The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials.
Employment Trends
Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs.
Opportunities should be very good for automotive service technicians and mechanics with diagnostic and problem-solving skills and knowledge of electronics and mathematics.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.
Program Objectives
Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
Skills development leading to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Testing
Program Requirements
|
Crs #
|
Course Name |
Hrs
|
|
OCC301
|
Auto Technician: Basic Theory |
40
|
|
OCC302
|
Auto Technician: Advanced Theory |
40
|
|
OCC400
|
Auto Technician: Electrical Systems |
18
|
|
OCC316
|
Small Gas Engines: Operation and Repair |
24
|
|
OCC324
|
Auto Technicians: Brake Systems |
21
|
|
OCC336
|
Auto Technicians: Automotive Engine Performance |
18
|
| |
Program total |
161
|
Please check the
Schedule of Courses for courses currently offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications do I need to work in the automotive industry?
Although certification is voluntary, most service & repair facilities and car dealerships require that technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. ASE has become a national symbol of automotive excellence and consumer confidence. Students interested in automotive service technology should consider the advantages of studying towards ASE Certification.
If you pass one or more certification exams and have at least two years of hands-on experience in automotive repair, you will be a Certified Automobile Technician. To be certified as a Master Automobile Technician, students must successfully pass all eight exams. For information pertaining to exam dates, fees and certification renewal studies, please view the ASE website at
http://www.ase.com
For additional information, contact:
Mr. Tony Marra
PGCC Program Director, Institute for Transportation & Distribution
410-772-4180,
tmarra@pgcc.edu
Key Words