Automotive Technology
Overview
Taconic's Automotive Technology program utilizes an experiential, problem-solving approach to provide students with expertise in the field of automobile maintenance and repair. In this National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF)-approved program, qualified instructors deliver comprehensive training and related curriculum in our state-of-the-art shop environment. Students not only learn to use the sophisticated tools required to diagnose and repair issues with both domestic and foreign vehicles, but they also acquire extensive mechanical, electrical and electronic service performance skills.
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VTE Framework: Automotive Technology
Grade 9
The Automotive Technology program is designed to provide young men and women the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry.
Students begin introductory lessons in auto industry safety standards. Students will engage in and receive instruction in vehicle maintenance and introduction to repair of the all-automobile systems.
Grade 10
Students entering the 10th grade Automotive Technology shop/laboratory will begin by learning and demonstrating safe vehicle lifting practices according to industry standards. Once completed, the students will move onto vehicle braking systems, their components and function, and the safe and effective repair procedures needed to service common brake system concerns. Students will study the design, components, function, and safe and effective repair procedures needed to address some of the most common steering and suspension concerns in the industry.
Using skill sets from the brake, steering, and suspension units, students will carry over those concepts and skill sets into a preventative maintenance/ multi-point inspection unit that will give them a head start on being proficient as an entry-level technician. During the preventative maintenance unit, students will learn how to change the engine oil and filter, complete various fluid and air filter checks, and safely and effectively inspect various brake, steering and suspension system components during the multi-point inspection procedure.
Grade 11
Beginning in Grade 11 students will be tasked with performing “live jobs” during their shop week. This is the beginning of our emphasis on employability. Students entering the 11th grade Automotive Technology shop/laboratory will be instructed in automotive electrical systems and electronics and review basic electrical principles, circuits, testing and an introduction to sensors. Students will perform shop and lab tasks on Atech simulators and live vehicles. Instruction will include automotive electricity & electronics covering advanced topics involving computerized circuits and sensors and in the use of Automotive Computer Scan Tools to read data and fault codes.
Students will be introduced to the Toyota Maintenance training modules. Upon successful completion of the 11 course modules, students will receive their Toyota Maintenance certificate. Students will perform four wheel alignments and instruction will include alignment geometry, adjustments, special tools, theory and application. Instruction in advanced ignition systems will cover distributorless ignition system design, operation and diagnostics. Students will learn about advanced fuel delivery systems including fuel injection component ID, theory, operation & diagnostics. Related theory is an integral component of the grade 11 automotive technology program curriculum. Instruction will support topics listed above and instruction will include use of CDX Web-based textbook handouts, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations and computer based instruction.
Grade 12
Grade 12 Automotive Technology students will continue the employability initiatives which began during Grade 11. Students will start their year by receiving training in automotive emissions systems including the characteristics of air pollution required to meet inspection standards. Students will perform shop tasks involving automotive emissions systems. The grade 12 curriculum includes advanced braking systems covering anti-lock brake systems theory, diagnosis and component identification; automotive safety systems involving removal and replacement of supplemental restraint system components including airbags, and automatic belt tensioners; introduction to basic automatic transmissions operation, fluids, torque converters and component identification; advanced automatic transmission including diagnosis, repair and rebuild, lock-up converters and electronic controls; turbochargers & superchargers including operation and applications for these systems; introduction to air conditioning systems covering theory and operation, component identification, cautions, laws and certification; air conditioning and climate control systems including electronically controlled heating and a/c systems theory, operation and component identification.
Training/Skills You Will Learn
- OSHA-10 Certification
- Preventive maintenance
- Electronic diagnostics
- Transmision repair
- Air conditioning repair
- Brake, fuel, exhaust and suspension systems service
- Service writing, billing, parts ordering and inventory control
Career Opportunities:
With a High School Degree
Entry Level Auto Service Technician
Salaries: $30,000-$40,000 per year
With a 2 Year College Degree
Automotive Design Engineer
Salaries: $45,000-$65,000 per year
With a 4 Year College Degree
Mechanical Engineer
Salaries: $70,000+ per year