Course Description
The NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Master Certified Program is where you learn the full range of diagnostic techniques necessary to be a proficient technician. You’ll be involved with everything from new car preparation to engine and transmission work. In addition, you’ll gain insight and experience with complex automotive computer systems. Using such state-of-the-art technology, well trained technicians quickly go to the heart of the problem, applying their skills and giving greater customer satisfaction in terms of time, workmanship, and money. Automotive students are trained in: safety orientation, the use of hand tools, the use of power tools, basics of vehicle maintenance, service and repair of tires and brakes, engine fundamentals, suspension and alignment, tune-up, emission control, drive lines, and electrical/electronic systems.
Freshmen
The program prepares the students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles.
Skills: Basic car care | Introduction to Automotive industry | Hand Tools | Car systems | Workshop Safety Procedures | Fasteners and Fittings | Precision Measurements
Sophomores
Topics include: Pressure test, service hoses, service belts, replace radiator/heater core, service thermal switches, freeze plugs, electric fan and clutch; Brake system: inspect brake system, replace brake shoes, replace disc brake pads, adjust and resurface brakes (drums and rotors), service emergency brake, service hydraulic system, flush hydraulic brake system, bleed hydraulic brakes, test/repair brake warning light, test/service anti-skid brake system.
Skills: Tires | Brakes | Steering/Suspension | Workshop Safety Procedures | Tire Technology | Brake Service | Steering and Suspension Services
Juniors
Hands on study of automotive systems including: engine electrical system, steering and front suspension, automotive electrical system, servicing engine fuel system, auto choke system.
Skills: Alignments Ignition systems | Fuel systems | Cooling System | Introduction to Automotive Electricity/Electronics | Safety
Seniors
The study of automotive systems including, automatic transmission system, differential and driveline, emission control system; electronic system, service heating/airconditioning system, maintaining/repairing engines, maintaining/servicing manual transmission & clutch components.
Skills: Drivetrains | OBD 2 | Safety | Advance Study of Automotive Electricity/Electronics | Engine | Blueprinting and Construction of Engines
Certifications
| Osha 10 Hour |
| SnapOn Equipment Certifications |
| ASE Student Certification: automatic transmission/transaxle |
| ASE Student Certification: brakes |
| ASE Student Certification: light vehicle diesel engines |
| ASE Student Certification: electrical/electronic systems |
| ASE Student Certification: engine performance |
| ASE Student Certification: engine repair |
| ASE Student Certification: heating and air-conditioning/td> |
| ASE Student Certification: manual drive train and axles |
| ASE Student Certification: suspension and steering |
College Pathways
| Mass Bay Community College |
| New England Institute of Technology |
| Universal Technical Institute |
| Ben Franklin Institute |
Career Pathways
Careers run the gamut from line technician to service consultant, service director, or store owner. There is work in parts, parts distribution and wholesaling; collision repair, painting, and detailing; vehicle maintenance, repair, and performance upgrades; and motorsports. There’s the growing field of high-performance machining and rebuilding. There is work in technical areas, training, or in management at the corporate level for national franchises, vehicle manufacturers, and private and municipal fleets. There are positions with high schools and community colleges, as well as proprietary schools, as instructors. Still other technicians find themselves moving into sales, marketing, and business management. Countless automotive aftermarket executives got their start turning wrenches, though nowadays the tool of choice is as likely to be a diagnostic computer and monitor.
About the Industry
The automotive industry comprises a wide range of companies and organizations involved in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and maintanance/repair of motor vehicles. It is one of the world's largest economic sectors by revenue.
Work Environment
Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 770,100 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of automotive service technicians and mechanics were as follows:
- Automobile Dealers
- Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Self-Employed Workers
- Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores
Service technicians stand for most of the day, and they typically work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Work Schedules Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
How to become a...
High school courses in automotive repair, collision repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics, provide a good background for prospective service technicians.