Automotive Technician

Coming Spring 2009!

                 Diesel Mechanic Program!

Are you good with your hands and interested in cars?

Do you find satisfaction in solving problems?

Are you looking to enter a promising field that has longevity and pays well?

Then consider training for a career in automotive technology– one of several workforce skills awards programs offered by Lone Star College-Montgomery. What once was commonly referred to as a “mechanic” is now called an “automotive service technician,” as fixing cars has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job.

With hundreds of vehicle models on the roads – and with increasingly complex operational systems on board – auto service technicians now undergo specialized training that provides them with the skills necessary to enter this exciting and fast-paced career. Automotive service technicians diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity.

The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Using current diagnostic equipment and techniques, the LSC-Montgomery automotive technology workforce skills award program teaches these essential technical skills and prepares students for the National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation (NATEF) Automotive Service Excellence certification testing.

The LSC-Montgomery automotive technology program also enjoys a great relationship with area car dealerships and service providers not only to keep up with industry trends, but for assistance with employee placement after program completion.

What more can you do?

Students wanting to take coursework for credit can earn the General Service Technician credit certificate. Courses taken in the continuing education program will apply towards the credit program. After completing the credit certificate, students can take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) General Service Technician (GST) certification and can continue their education by pursuing as associate of applied science in automotive technology or management at Lone Star College-North Harris, or go right into the workforce. Advanced degrees would assist students in obtaining an even higher paying position in the industry or in starting their own business.

What programs are available?

LSC-Montgomery offers a workforce skills award certificate through its continuing education department as well as a general service technician certificate as a credit program.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The CE program consists of six courses comprising 31.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The credit program consists of six courses comprising 19 semester hours. What does it cost to complete the program? Excluding textbooks and materials, the CE program costs approximately $1,422 and the credit program costs approximately $1,200. Is financial aid available? For financial aid information, visit the financial aid link on the LSC-Montgomery Web site, http://montgomery.lonestar.edu/20147/ or call 936.273.7227.

What do automotive service technicians do?

Automotive service technicians are specialists in automotive service and repair that diagnose and fix problems in vehicles.

How is the job market and how much can I expect to earn?

According to the America’s Career InfoNet Occupation Report, the auto technician field is expected to grow 18 percent – or by 10,250 jobs – in Texas alone by the year 2012 and has a staring salary range of $18,000 to $20,000. What job opportunities are available in automotive technology? Upon completing this award, students are ready to take an entry-level position with a number of businesses, including automotive dealerships, auto repair shops, the armed forces, governmental agencies, insurance companies, service stations, specialty shops, tire companies and trucking companies.

Where can I get more information about this career?

Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco/ocos181.htm.

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation www.natef.org. Intro to Automotive Technology An introduction to the automotive industry including automotive history, safety practices, shop equipment and tools, vehicle subsystems, service publications, fasteners, professional responsibilities, and automotive maintenance. May be taught with manufacturer specific instructions.

Automotive Electrical Systems An overview of automotive electrical systems including topics in operational theory, testing, diagnosis, and repair of batteries, charging and starting systems, and electrical accessories. Emphasis on electrical schematic diagrams and service manuals. May be taught with manufacturer specific instructions.

Suspension and Steering Theory and operation of automotive suspension and steering systems including tire and wheel problem diagnosis, component repair, and alignment procedures. May be taught with manufacturer-specific instructions. Automotive Brake Systems Operation and repair of drum/disc type brake systems. Emphasis on safe use of modern equipment. Topics include brake theory, diagnosis, and repair of power, manual, anti-lock brake systems, and parking brakes. May be taught with manufacturer specific instructions.