INSTRUCTOR: MATT RICHARDSON

INSTRUCTOR: MATT RICHARDSON

Mr. Richardson has worked in the Automotive field since 2004 and is an ASE Master Technician, as well as a Certified Safety Inspector. He was 100% GM-trained while being a Team Leader and Head Technician at Jim Price Chevrolet. Mr. Richardson is an adjunct professor for Reynolds Community College and, as such, his Automotive Service Technology students receive dual-enrollment college credits. When asked why he loves what he does, Mr. Richardson says, “This is one of the only trades that is constantly changing; nothing stays the same. You are always learning something new. When I worked in the industry, I enjoyed having students from CATEC come to Price Chevy. Being able to train them while they were on a job shadow or apprenticeship was a great opportunity.”


AUTO SERVICE TECHNOLOGY

AUTO SERVICE TECHNOLOGY

CATEC's two-year Automotive Service Technology program is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)- and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-accredited program. Students learn all aspects of automotive repair, safety, and customer service by concentrating on the eight automotive areas needed to become an ASE-certified master technician. Students extensively practice shop and personal safety. They identify and demonstrate usage of tools and equipment, research vehicle and service information and history, and prepare vehicles for service and for the customer. Students develop skills in inspecting engine assembly, repair, and performance. They study lubrication, cooling systems, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to take and pass ASE exams and will be prepared for post-secondary education opportunities.

CREDIT, CERTIFICATIONS, COURSE INFORMATION, AND PATHWAYS

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

Students receive up to 3 high school elective credits each year for successful completion of the program. Passage of the certification exam will award the student 2 student-verified elective credits, one of which can be substituted for a verified credit in either science or history.

CERTIFICATIONS

ASE student certification exams in the following areas:

  • Suspension and Steering

  • Brakes

  • Electrical/Electronic Systems

  • Engine Performance

  • Engine Repair

  • Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

  • Manual Drive Train and Axles

  • Heating and Air Conditioning

  • Maintenance and Light Repair

  • Automobile Service Technology

S/P2

Virginia State Inspection License

Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

The CATEC Automotive Service Technology program has articulation agreements with University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC).

Class: Auto Service Technology I

State Code: 8506

Duration: 1 year

Grade(s): 10-12

Credential(s): ASE certifications, S/P2 certifications, Virginia State Inspection License

Time(s): AM only

Class: Auto Service Technology II

State Code: 8507

Duration: 1 year

Grade(s): 10-12

Credential(s): ASE certifications, S/P2 certifications,

Time(s): PM only

CAREER PATHWAYS

  • Career Opportunity: Auto Service Technician

  • Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles, including trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Repair any part on the vehicle. 

  • National Wage Average: $50,000

  • Virginia Wage Average: $48,000

  • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: +6%

  • Nationally, 70,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years