Automotive Technology
Instructor: Mr. Tavis Lydic
Visit the Teacher WebsiteDiagnose Problems and Keep Vehicles Moving
Automotive Technology is a hands-on field that combines mechanical skill, problem-solving, precision, and advanced technology. Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair the systems that keep modern vehicles safe, efficient, and dependable.
Enoree’s two-year Automotive Technology program is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster. Students learn through classroom instruction and extensive lab experiences while working directly with vehicles, tools, diagnostic equipment, and modern automotive systems.
What Students Learn
- Professional shop safety procedures and workplace expectations
- Proper use of industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment
- Brake, steering, suspension, engine, and electrical system fundamentals
- Computer and technical skills for modern vehicle systems
- Shop math applied to real-world automotive tasks
- Troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair procedures
Certification Opportunities
- Tier 1: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- Tier 2: ASE Entry-Level certifications and Multimeter
- Tier 3: Section 609 Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
Program Credits
Students earn two high school credits each semester and may earn up to eight credits during the two-year program. These credits count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement.
Visit the Program
Prospective students and their families may have opportunities to meet Mr. Lydic and tour the Automotive Technology lab during the recruitment season. Contact Enoree Career Center for current tour dates and availability.
Year One: Building the Foundation
Automotive Technology 1 and 2 | Morning Session at Enoree
Year one introduces students to the automotive industry through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab experiences, and real-world training designed to build technical skill and confidence. The program is open to rising 10th- and 11th-grade students who are prepared to make a two-year commitment.
Students begin by learning professional shop safety, proper tool use, and the fundamentals of modern vehicle systems. Instruction includes brakes, steering, suspension, engines, electrical systems, and basic diagnostic procedures.
Throughout the year, students develop accuracy, teamwork, organization, and problem-solving skills while learning how automotive technicians approach inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
As students progress through Automotive Technology 2, the work becomes more challenging. Students diagnose and repair more complex systems, use advanced diagnostic equipment, and practice procedures that reflect professional automotive shop environments.
Students learn to collect information, identify possible causes of a problem, test vehicle systems, and determine appropriate repair or maintenance procedures. These experiences help students understand that successful automotive work depends on both technical knowledge and a careful diagnostic process.
Automotive Technology 1 and 2 prepare students to pursue ASE Entry-Level, OSHA 10-Hour, Multimeter, and Section 609 credentials while building a strong foundation for advanced coursework, technical college, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment.
Year Two: Advancing the Skills
Automotive Technology 3 and 4 | Afternoon Session at Enoree
Year two builds on the technical foundation developed during the first year and challenges students to apply their skills to advanced vehicle systems and increasingly complex repair scenarios.
Training expands into engine performance, advanced electrical diagnostics, climate control systems, drivetrains, steering, and suspension. Students continue to improve their precision, efficiency, troubleshooting ability, and use of diagnostic technology.
Customer service, communication, teamwork, and professional responsibility are also emphasized so students are prepared for the expectations of dealerships, independent repair facilities, and other automotive workplaces.
Students in Automotive Technology 3 and 4 complete complex diagnostic, maintenance, and repair projects using modern tools, equipment, and industry procedures. They are expected to work with greater independence while maintaining safe and organized workspaces.
Work-based learning may allow eligible students to apply their classroom and lab instruction with local dealerships and repair facilities. These experiences provide exposure to professional responsibilities, customer expectations, workplace schedules, and real repair processes.
By the end of year two, students are prepared to pursue advanced ASE Entry-Level, Multimeter, and Section 609 credentials. Their combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, industry credentials, and workplace skills can support a transition into technical college, apprenticeships, or entry-level automotive employment.
Career Opportunities
Automotive Technology can lead to careers involving maintenance, diagnostics, repair, customer service, shop operations, and technical leadership.
Automotive Technician
Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair vehicle systems. They use technical information, tools, and diagnostic equipment to identify problems and help keep vehicles operating safely and reliably.
Diagnostic Technician
Diagnostic technicians use scan tools, electrical testing equipment, technical data, and systematic troubleshooting procedures to identify the source of vehicle performance, electrical, and mechanical problems.
Lead Technician
Lead technicians complete advanced repairs, assist other technicians, review diagnostic findings, help manage workflow, and support quality and safety standards within an automotive service department.
Service Advisor
Service advisors communicate with customers, document vehicle concerns, explain recommended services, prepare repair orders, and coordinate communication between customers and automotive technicians.
Skills for Success
Successful automotive students and professionals combine technical ability with dependable workplace habits. Important skills and expectations include:
- Attention to detail: Install components correctly, follow specifications, and carefully inspect completed work.
- Mechanical understanding: Learn how vehicle systems and components work together.
- Troubleshooting: Examine symptoms, test systems, and determine possible causes and solutions.
- Technical skill: Use electronic diagnostic equipment, repair information, tools, and testing procedures.
- Manual dexterity: Work safely and effectively with tools, fasteners, wiring, and vehicle components.
- Physical readiness: Safely lift, position, or move parts and equipment while using proper procedures and available lifting devices.
Professional Expectations
Automotive technicians must follow safety procedures, keep tools and work areas organized, communicate clearly, manage time effectively, and complete work with accuracy. Dependability and a willingness to continue learning are especially important as vehicle technology changes.
Certification Opportunities
Select a certification organization below to learn more.
Local Work-Based Learning Partners
Local employers help students connect classroom and lab instruction with professional automotive workplace experiences.
Graduation and college admission note: Credits earned through this program count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement. Most four-year colleges do not accept career center courses as substitutes for foreign language courses required for college admission. Students should review admission requirements with their school counselor.