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.
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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
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
Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment
EDUCATION PATHWAYS
The CATEC Automotive Service Techology program has a dual-enrollment agreement with Reynolds Community College and articulation agreements with University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC).
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