Automotive Mechanics

Yesterday's automobiles were simple and fun. Backyard muscle car mechanics were plentiful back then, but really well-trained professional technicians with the skills to straighten out those really tough problems have always been scarce.

Today's automobiles are still fun, but they aren't simple anymore. And, while backyard mechanics are still around, they are fewer in number, and well-trained technicians are increasingly hard to find. One aftermarket service magazine puts the shortage of competent techs in the United States at more than one million, and as many as 15,000 new positions are opening yearly.

Technical Requirements

• Fundamentals of Automotive Technology
• Electrical Fundamentals
• Electrical and Electronic Systems
• Braking Systems
• Steering and Suspension
• Special Topics I and II
• Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
• Drive Train and Axles
• Engine Repair I and II
• Automotive Emissions
• Automotive Engines
• Advanced Automotive Engines
• Manual Transmission/Transaxle
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
• Engine Performance and Diagnostics

General Education Requirements

• Introductory Technical English I
• Introductory Mathematics I
• Oral Communication Skills
• Introductory Computer Skills II
• Orientation

Total Credit Hours - 60

Estimated Salary

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-2015, median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2012 was $17.60. The top 10 percent earned more than $60,070. Dealership technicians are often paid in conjunction with a commission based system that can vary by employer.

Job Opportunities

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job opportunities in this occupation are expected to be very good for persons who complete automotive training programs, and opportunities are expected to increase 9 percent through 2022.

Program Features

Electronic diagnostic equipment includes Snap-On/Sun's Computerized Dynamic Data Collector and cutting edge handheld scan tools like the OTC Genisys. Late model vehicles and powertrain components challenge students with contemporary training exercises and live work, not only in powertrain repair, but also in electronics systems, fuel injection, and engine performance. PC based automotive information retrieval systems such as All data provide students with comprehensive access to shop manuals on both import and domestic vehicles marketed in the United States from 1982 to the present model year.

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation

The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Automotive Program has been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and meets the standards of quality for the training of automobile technicians in the following areas: Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Suspension and Steering, Automatic Transmission & Transaxle, Engine Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning, and Manual Drivetrain and Axles.