Rodney Wolken, Instructor
ASE Certified Master Technician
rwolken@lexington.k12.mo.us
This program has been developed for students with a strong desire to become a quality auto service technician or to work in an automotive related field.
Because of the increasing number of automobiles in use today and the high cost of new cars and trucks, the industry needs trained technicians who can use modern electronic diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair vehicles. More than 60,000 job openings exist in the automotive industry. Shops, parts suppliers, dealers, insurance claims departments, oil change, tire change...every aspect of the industry needs more new employees. There are a multitude of entry-level positions that lead to higher-earning career opportunities.
As the mechanical and electrical parts of the automobile become more complex, it is important to be vocationally trained. All students receive both technical and practical repair experience.
Automotive Technology is a 2-year program for juniors and seniors offering up to four credits per year. Adults attend a full day - 6 hours per day for one school year.
Things to consider when considering selection of this course:
- Do I like to work with my hands?
- Do I like to see how things work?
- Do I like solving problems?
- Do I enjoy working on cars?
- Do I enjoy providing good customer service?
- Will I be friendly and courteous to the customers?
- Do I take pride in my work and enjoy doing a good job?
Things you will learn if you select this course:
- Engine Repair
- Suspension and Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Engine Performance
You will have an opportunity to earn ASE certification in Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Engine Repair, Heating and Air Condition, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Engine Performance.
Today's automotive technician must be a highly trained and skilled individual. To repair today's cars, technicians must be able to interpret pages and pages of service manuals and be familiar with the operations of a computer.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
| General |
Specialist |
| Automotive Service Technician |
Alignment Specialist |
| Race Team Pit Crew Member |
Brake Technician |
| Service Manager |
Electrical Repair |
| Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner |
Engine Performance Technician |
| Auto Service Technician Instructor |
Heating and Air Conditioning Technician |
| Car Dealership Owner |
Tire Service Technician |
| Dealership Manager |
Oil and Lubrication Specialist |
SALARY RANGE
| Technician |
$20,000 to $75,000 |
| Foreman |
$20,000 to $50,000 |
| Service Manager |
$15,000 to $150,000 |
| Sales Person |
$25,000 to $100000 |
| Parts Store Clerk |
$15,000 to $50,000 |
| Parts & Service Manager |
$25,000 to $200,000 |
(Titles and pay ranges may vary by geographic region.)
Or, you can continue your education. After successfully completing the Automotive Technology program, you will receive certification that transfers as 10 hours of articulated credit at Longview Community College, Lee's Summit, Missouri and 6 hours at State Fair Community College, Sedalia, Missouri.
Lex La-Ray Technical Center offers training for certification in many areas that are recognized nationally and worldwide.