The Automotive Technology student who successfully completes four years of the program will, at a minimum, be able to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Students will have the ability to work on traditional and hybrid mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drivetrains. The students will also become familiar with computer controlled systems.

Graduates of our Automotive Technology program will graduate with the following skills and competencies:

• The ability to demonstrate health and safety practices specific to Automotive Technology

• The ability to demonstrate the proper use of hand tools

• The ability to demonstrate the proper use of electric and pneumatic tools according to current industry standards

• The ability to demonstrate the use of commonly used precision measuring tools

• The ability to demonstrate the use of commonly used fasteners 

• The ability to demonstrate access and use of service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate wheel and tire inspection, including tire mounting and tire balancing

• The ability to demonstrate the removal, inspection, and installation of suspension components

• The ability to diagnose power steering concerns and perform necessary repairs

• The ability to demonstrate proper alignment procedures

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate basic maintenance service skills

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate automotive refrigerant handling according to current industry standards

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate maintenance and repair of hydraulic, drum, disc, power, and antilock brake systems

• The ability to identify electrical system concerns and demonstrate proper repair procedures

• The ability to demonstrate the identification, maintenance and service of various types of commonly used automotive batteries

• The ability to demonstrate the diagnosis and repair of starting and charging systems

• The ability to demonstrate the diagnosis and repair of electrical accessories such as lighting systems, gauges, horn, and wiper systems

• The ability to demonstrate the identification and description of hybrid electrical circuits

• The ability to demonstrate general diagnostic procedures

• The ability to demonstrate the diagnosis and repair of engine performance concerns relative to the primary and secondary ignition circuits

• The ability to demonstrate the identification and diagnosis of common causes of positive crankcase ventilation and evaporative emissions system concerns

• The ability to demonstrate the identification and diagnosis of common causes of catalytic converter, and secondary air and exhaust gas recirculation system concerns

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate vehicle service techniques

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate hub, joint, shaft, and yolk techniques

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate axle shaft service techniques

• The ability to demonstrate the inspection, adjustment, and repair of transfer cases and locking hubs

• The ability to demonstrate the identification and interpretation of manual drive train concerns followed by corrective actions

• The ability to demonstrate the identification and interpretation of heating and air conditioning problems followed by corrective actions

• The ability to demonstrate the inspection, diagnosis, and fixing of No Code and Code Repairs

Our graduates are not limited to entry-level positions in the Automotive Technology industry. Higher level positions are vast and vary in both the general industry as well as specialty areas within the industry. Graduates of our Automotive Technology program, who take post-graduate training and/or industry specialized training, might choose to specialize in one of the following examples of technical career areas:

• Automotive engineer (would require the knowledge to design the mechanisms and systems for ground vehicles, including the ability to conduct extensive research and analyses, conceptualize plans with fellow experts, build prototypes and structures, troubleshoot problems, and implement multiple test procedures to identify how the vehicle operates at different conditions and ensure that its quality adheres to standards and regulations)

• Aerospace technician (would require the knowledge to perform scheduled maintenance and repairs on airplanes and helicopters as well as the knowledge needed to run computer simulations that test new designs)

• Process engineer (would require knowledge of the plant production process , including the maintenance of automated systems and the resolution of technical issues)

• Quality testing engineer (would require the knowledge of vehicle component testing needed to ensure function and safety, including the development of test cases, execution of the tests, and resolution of quality defects)

• Automotive designer (would require knowledge of the process of design and the ergonomics of motor vehicles, including a technical knowledge of mechanics, production, and materials necessary to improve the style, appearance, and aerodynamic design of automobiles)

• Engine performance specialist (would require knowledge needed to change or improve an automobile while extracting as much performance as possible, including diagnosing sophisticated drivability and emissions-related problems)

• Marine mechanical specialist (would require the knowledge to repair and maintain all models of marine and industrial diesel engines)

• Recreational vehicle (RV) specialist (would require the knowledge to perform diagnostics, repairs, overhauls, and cost estimates on several types of recreational vehicles and travel trailers)

• Automotive  shop foreman (would require knowledge of managing daily shop repair routines, including the hiring and training of new staff, overseeing maintenance services, ordering parts, and maintaining the appropriate stock of inventory)

• Diesel specialist (would require knowledge of the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, including identifying potential deterioration, and the source of malfunctions)

• Heavy equipment specialist (would require knowledge of the maintenance and repair of various heavy machinery parts, including hydraulics, engines, and moving parts found on large vehicles and machines used in such areas as construction, transportation, and farming)

• Automotive air conditioning and heating specialist ( would require knowledge of installation and repair of cooling systems and heating systems, including compressors, condensers, and controls; must also be trained and certified in handling refrigerants)

• Braking systems specialist (would require the ability to perform brake diagnostics, brake adjustments, pad replacement, rotor replacement, and other repairs on braking systems)

• Diagnostics specialist (would require an extended knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems)

• Front-end specialist (would require knowledge of ride, handling, and tire wear problems, including the use of special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines)

• Transmissions specialist (would require an extensive knowledge of computer controls along with the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems associated with complex transmission components, as well as rebuilding of transmissions)

• Drivability technician (would require an extensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems in order to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing smoothly)

Graduates of our Automotive Technology program have the opportunity to secure the following industry-recognized certifications:

• OSHA 10-Hour Card and Certificate

• ASE certification

• S/P2 Safety and Pollution Prevention Certificate

• Ford Certified Technical Training On-Line Program

• Hot Works Certificate

Following are the qualities and skills that are necessary for success in the field of Automotive Technology:

• Organizational skills are necessary to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts

• Mechanical skills are necessary to take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together

• Dexterity is necessary in order to perform the many tasks that require steady hands and good eye-hand coordination

• Detail orientation is necessary because many problems are the result of misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes

• Customer-service skills are necessary to discuss automotive problems and their solutions with customers 

Frameworks

The Automotive Technology Frameworks identify the competencies that students will have the opportunity to learn in a four-year time span. 

Articulation Agreements

State articulation agreements are a uniform and consistent way for students in our Automotive Technology program to enroll in any Massachusetts community college and be awarded credits for work completed at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Our Automotive Technology program has an additional local articulation agreement with Keene State College, which recognizes credits beyond the standard 3 credit state recognition.

These agreements allow for a seamless continuation of education for our students.