This is Automotive Technology

  • Course Description

    Driven by the 4 main systems of vehicle operation - brakes, suspension and steering, engine performance, and electrical/electronics, students will diagnose, service, and repair a wide range of vehicles alongside their ASE certified Master Technician instructor. The classroom includes training in the use of modern diagnostic equipment in preparation for multiple ASE certifications.

  • Prerequisites at the Time of Junior Year Enrollment

    Minimum of 7 core credits (1.5 must be English), on track to graduate

  • Credits & Certifications Offered

     
    High School Credit
    • 3 CTE Year One
    • 3 CTE Year Two

    College Credit

    • Ranken Technical College & State Technical College - College credit opportunities exist through credit for prior learning or credit by assessment.

    Certifications
    • Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification in Brakes, Electrical, Engine Performance, Suspension
    • S/P2 Safety Certification
    • Snap-On Certification
     
    *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

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    How Will My Time Be Spent? 

    Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
    CTE Year One 26%-50% 26%-50%
    CTE Year Two 26%-50% 26%-50%

  • Tech is Real World Learning

    Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

    Tools & Equipment

    • Personal protective equipment
    • Hand tools
    • Digital Volt Ohm meter
    • Voltage or current meters--Alternating current/direct current
    • AC/DC inductive current clamps
    • Ignition module testers
    • Voltmeters
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Soldering irons
    • Metal cutting taps
    • Pneumatic wrenches
    • Engine and vehicle stands
    • Spark plug gapping tools
    • Hoists
    • Torque wrenches
    • Tubing bender machines

    Academic Materials

    • CDX online -- a college level text
    • SP2 Safety, NC3 Snap-On Certification, ALLData and ShopKey Pro

    Uniform Requirements

    • Work boots, blue work pants and a blue work shirt
    • Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the lab space

  • Essential Skills Needed for Success

    Students learn the entry level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

    Core Essential Skills

    • Understand and use basic math computations; including percentages, fractions, decimals, rulers and standard units of measurement 

    • Have a basic working knowledge of hand and power tools

    • Have an awareness of personal safety in the shop, adhere to safety procedures and assume personal responsibility

    • Respecting the importance of accuracy as it relates to mechanisms of a vehicle

    • Determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about them

    • Follow and complete multi-step directions

    • Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects

    • Tolerate working in an environment that includes high places, small spaces, loud noises, smells, extreme temperatures, and dirty environments

    • Able to climb, lift, and carry objects of 50 pounds or more

    For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

Program Information

  • John Arndt John Arndt
    Automotive Technology
    314.989.7436
    Send an Email

    Mr. John Arndt has been in Transportation industry for 20 years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2007. Prior to joining the South Tech team, Mr. Arndt spent 21 years in the IL Air National Guard and 16 years as a Ford service Technician. Mr. Arndt currently has an Associates Degree of Automotive Technology and is working towards a Bachelors Degree of Workforce Education Development.
     

    Randy Prewitt

    Randy Prewitt
    Automotive Technology
    314.989.7497
    Send an Email
     
    Mr. Randy Prewitt has been in the Automotive Industry for over 20 years and began working for South Tech High School in 2003. Prior to joining South Tech, Mr. Prewitt worked as a Repair Technician at Dave Sinclair Lincoln. Randy has an Associate’s degree in Auto Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, and is also ASE and EETC Certified.
     

    Ed Rieman
    Automotive Technology
    314.989.7528
    Send an Email

    Mr. Ed Rieman has worked in the automotive repair industry for over 25 years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2004. Mr. Rieman started in a full service gas station/ repair shop in high school and moved on to a dealership. Through the dealership he obtained ASE A1-A8 and L1 and Ford Senior Master Certification. I received my degree from Ranken Technical College in Automotive Technology.