AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY I (AM Session)

The Automotive Technology I program is certified nationally by the ASE Education Foundation (Automotive Service Excellence) and teaches entry-level technical knowledge and skills needed to enter the job market in automotive repair and other related fields.  Students undergo OSHA safety training and receive crucial general industry safety training as well.

 This program covers the basics of automotive and light truck service and preventative maintenance, basic engine operation and tune-up, basic brake systems, theory and repair, steering and suspension principles and repair, and automatic/manual transmissions and drivelines in the first-year curriculum. Our lab houses seven 2 post vehicle lifts, and one 4 post alignment rack.  Students are assigned a tool kit and toolbox, complemented by cutting edge equipment from Snap-On, Autel Diagnostic, NAPA, Gearwrench, ProCut and others.

Students in the program will be given the opportunity to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) student certification exams and take the Occupational Safety and Health Administration General Industry 10 hour certification course.

 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY II (PM Session)

The Automotive Technology II program is certified nationally by the ASE Education Foundation and teaches entry-level technical knowledge and skills needed to enter the job market in automotive repair and other related fields.  Students receive a review of general industry safety training as well.

 This program continues to cover the basics of automotive and light truck service.  In the second-year curriculum, students learn about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), diagnosis and repair of; electrical systems, emission controls, computer and fuel systems, engine repair, and engine performance.  They also prepare for the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) student certification exams (and possibly take the ASE for G1-Maintenance Light Repair.) and have the opportunity to take the Maine State Inspection License exam.

Important Automotive Program Information

Students who enroll in the Automotive Technology I or II program will spend approximately 50% of their time in the classroom learning the theory of today’s automobile and 50% in the shop learning hands-on skill development.  Students who excel in the theory portion will be able to diagnose the automobile, as well as have the skills necessary to repair the vehicle.  We do this by using a curriculum that is web-based allowing students to work on classroom work outside of the classroom at home or elsewhere being able to access all aspects of the course including: outlines, videos, animations, textbook (in full, chunked up, or audio) quizzes and tests.  This allows for more individualized learning opportunities.

Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology I & II programs learn shop management and inventory control by using computers that are dedicated to repair order management, as well as computers that are linked to the NAPA auto parts store in Ellsworth. 

The safety of the students is always the first and foremost consideration in the Automotive Technology program. Therefore, steel-toe work boots, long pants (with minimal holes in them), and an HCTC work shirt must be worn to work in the shop area. Safety glasses are required to be worn in the shop and lab areas at all times.

Skills for Success:

• Interest in Cars and Trucks! We welcome students of all experience levels!

• Can you work safely? We teach safety with the same rigor and relevance as every other subject. 

• ELA Skills: Modern automotive systems rely on communication, and our program is no different. We travel from Technical Writing to Customer Service and back daily.

• Mathematics: We learn how to use basic math to solve mechanical and electrical problems, both in the classroom and lab!

• Science: The modern automobile is really a Physics experiment on wheels, and we learn how much we rely on things like simple magnetism…

• Dexterity means being able to hold and use tools and parts that can be very precise 

• You might think, this applies to me…HOW? 

• In Automotives, HOW stands for Honest, Open, and Willing…show us HOW, and we can teach you how!

Credentials & Certifications:

• OSHA 10 hour General Industry

• American Lift Institute Automotive Lift Training

• ASE Student Certification

• Maine State Vehicle Inspection

Articulation Agreements:

Central Maine Community College

Washington County Community College

Lake Region Technical Institute

University of Northwestern Ohio

Universal Technical Institute

Southern Maine Community College

Concurrent Enrollment: 

Eastern Maine Community College

View our Automotive Technology Promo Video here.