Working as an automotive technician can provide an exciting and potentially lucrative career. Our two-year automotive technology program provides skill training for entry-level positions in the automotive technology industry. Students work on vehicles and vehicle systems, using safety practices, tools and equipment, computer skills, and shop math. Students graduate with the ability to have a life-long career as certified automobile technicians and technical skills honed through classroom and lab training. Area dealerships and independent repair shops offer opportunities for shadowing, internship, and cooperative education. Students may test to earn valuable industry certifications as part of their regular instruction.
Automotive Technology is part of the South Carolina Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster. Students enrolled in this program earn two high school credits each semester and can earn a combined total of eight credits upon completing the two-year program. Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation.
The information below presets potential career opportunities, outlines our program's progression, highlights career certification opportunities, and showcases the experiences available to Enoree students. If you are interested in meeting Mr. Lydic and taking a tour of our Automotive Technology lab, we invite you to request a program tour. After-school program tours are available to prospective students and their parents in December, January, and February. We would welcome a chance to give you a tour of our programs.
This course acquaints students with introductory-level automotive job skills. Students study the industry-wide career opportunities, safety practices, tool and equipment care and use, and communications and information systems within the industry. Students focus on the fundamentals of automotive maintenance and basic service. These include the eight major areas of the automobile: brakes, steering and suspension, electrical/electronics, engine performance, engine repair, manual transmission, automatic transmission, and heat and air conditioning.
This course reinforces the introductory skills and increases the intensity of training in electrical/electronics, brakes, steering, and suspension fundamentals. The students further their understanding of battery service, starting systems, charging systems, lighting systems, and the diagnosis and repair of gauges.
This course reinforces the introductory skills and increases the intensity of training in the fundamentals of engine repair, engine performance, and heat and air conditioning. Special emphasis is given to problem-solving and teamwork as the students prepare to exit the program, enter the competitive job market, and /or continue their ASE certification in other areas at the post-secondary level.
This course serves as the capstone for the Automotive Technology program. Students are expected to be able to apply each of the skills learned over the last three semesters across a variety of scenarios and situations. Students who excel in their program may participate in work-based learning. The WBL experience combines classroom-based education with on-the-job training experiences to help students prepare for and explore career objectives. A work-based experience must be planned and supervised by the school and employers so that it contributes to a student’s education and employability. Students must have access to reliable transportation.
The duties of an automotive technician include repairing defective automotive components and inspecting and ensuring the auto's performance, stability, and safety. An automotive technician also runs quality checks and improves system designs based on clients' specifications.
Salary- $40,910 per year on average, or $19.67 per hour
A Lead Mechanic performs major mechanical repairs to ensure the proper performance and safety of vehicles. They evaluate mechanical problems, analyze engine performance, and perform routine vehicle maintenance and preventive care.
Salary - $54,471 per year on average, or $26.19 per hour
A master automotive technician is an expert in auto repair work. Job duties include inspecting repair equipment, overseeing and signing off on repairs completed by other mechanics, and training new technicians.
Salary - $97,027 per year on average, or $46.65 per hour
Each skill and trade requires a specific set of skills needed to master the content and job tasks. Below are a few critical skills and requirements needed to succeed in the program and throughout a career in this field.
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NOTE: Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation. Most 4-year colleges will NOT accept career center courses as a substitute for the foreign language college admissions requirement.