The Automotive Technology department provides entry-level through advanced level learning and training in the design, theory of operation and servicing techniques of the many system components of today’s automobiles. Training focuses on engine repair, brakes, automatic/manual transmission/transaxles, suspension and steering, scan tools, lab scopes, test equipment, engine machine shop, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, emission controls, small engines, auto parts sales and shop safety. Northeast’s Automotive program is NATEF/ASE approved (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation – National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence), and all teachers are ASE certified. The department supports the SKILLS USA program, a national nonprofit organization supporting students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Upon graduation, students are employable as:
- Master Automotive Technician
- Automobile Service Advisor
- Diesel Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Motorsports Technician
Technical and Higher Education Majors
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians
- Transmission Mechanic
- Parts & Service Manager
- Automotive Engineer
- Automotive Restorer
Certification and Career Advancement
ASE certification has become a standard credential for automotive service technicians. Certification is available in: electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning. For certification in each area, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience and pass the examination. Completion of an automotive training program in high school, vocational or trade school, or community or junior college may be substituted for 1 year of experience. For ASE certification as a Master Automobile Technician, technicians must be certified in all eight areas. By becoming skilled in multiple auto repair services, technicians can increase their value to their employer and their pay.
Industry Affiliations: SKILLS USA, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
Industry Certifications available in High School
- OSHA 10 hour General Industry Certification
- Valvoline Motor Oil Basic Certification
- Snap-on Meter Certification
- ASE Refrigerant Certification (ASER) 603
College Credits toward post-secondary certifications/degrees can be earned through Articulation Agreements with:
- MA State AT Articulation Agreement: One or more AT courses at an MA community college
- New England Institute of Technology: Designated AT courses for tuition
Grade 9 Exploratory – Course #ATX
This one-week exploratory program introduces students to the automotive and associated service industries. Some of the topics covered are; personal and shop safety, principles of 4-stroke cycle engines, basic measuring skills, hand tools, vehicle maintenance, engine component identification, and disassembly and assembly. Students explore ASE career paths, such as an auto technician, parts supply specialist, machine technician, motorcycle technician, and marine technician. Students see a video on how a car is built from design to completion. Instructional delivery includes hands-on performance, computer animation, group activities, self-paced computer instruction and video presentations.
Grade 9 Shop – Course #ATXF-16
Course content introduces students to Shop experiences that include: tire service, vehicle preventative maintenance, shop safety and safe operation of tools, career opportunities, basic engine construction, and design. Hands-on work include wheel and tire identification, inspection, repair, dismounting, mounting, balancing, and installation. In addition, the identification and repair of disc/drum brake systems are covered. This part of the course will provide the students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary for continued success in the Automotive Technology program.
Grade 10 Shop – Course #AT2
Course content introduces students to Shop experiences that include instruction and hands-on training in wheel alignment fundamentals and service, steering and suspension geometry, steering/suspension fundamentals and service, automotive machine shop, basic electrical/electronic theory and operation, maintaining the engine electrical system, and servicing the automotive electrical/electronic system. Shop experiences will provide the students with the knowledge and skill training for continued success in the Automotive Technology program. Instructional delivery includes demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on performance testing.
Grade 10 Related – Course #AT2R
During Grade 10 related, students, will investigate and participate in this course that provides students with the theory necessary to understand and troubleshoot basic automotive sub-systems. Coursework is designed to address NATEF objectives. Students receive instruction in tool use and safety, equipment procedures, lubrication, automotive machine shop, steering and suspension geometry, 4-wheel alignment, and introduction to braking systems. Students are also introduced to on-board computer theory and diagnostics. Instructional delivery includes presentations, reading and writing assignments, classroom demonstrations, self-paced computer instruction, electronic textbooks and visual media presentations. Reading, writing and math assignments related to the automotive profession are integrated with academic frameworks during this class.
Grade 11 Shop – Course #AT3
Course content introduces students to Shop experiences that include instruction and hands-on training in 4-stroke cycle engine operation, cooling system maintenance and service, automotive machine shop, exhaust system inspection and service, basic electricity/electronics, ignition systems, service and testing of emission control systems, starting and charging systems parts, inventory, and billing procedures, and instruction and use of the MITCHELL ON DEMAND catalog/repair CD ROM information system. Shop experiences will provide the students with knowledge and skill training for continued success in the Automotive Technology program. Instructional delivery includes demonstration, presentations and hands-on performance testing.
Grade 11 Related – Course #AT3R
During Grade 11 related, students will investigate and participate in this course that provides students with the theory necessary to understand and troubleshoot basic automotive sub-systems. Instruction builds on coursework from the previous year and is designed to address NATEF and MA CVTE frameworks objectives. Students receive instruction in the principles and operation of the 4-stroke cycle engine, cooling system operation and service, use of precision measuring tools in automotive machine shop, exhaust system operation, basic electricity/electronics, ignition systems, introduction to on-board diagnostics, starting and charging systems and instructions in the use of the MITCHELL ON DEMAND catalog/repair CD ROM information system. Instructional delivery includes presentations, demonstrations, and the use of multimedia equipment. The curriculum includes reading, writing, and math assignments consistent with the automotive profession.
Grade 12 Shop – Course #AT4
Course content introduces students to Shop experiences that include instruction and hands-on training in service and repair of automotive subsystems in the areas of heating and air conditioning, service and repair manuals, diagnosis and repair of clutch systems, differentials, and driveline components, principles and operation of manual/transaxle, principles and operations of automatic transmission/transaxle, fuel systems, emissions control, automotive machine shop, and the use of state of the art scan tools, lab scopes, and test equipment. Students are also encouraged to learn about customer service skills. Instructional delivery includes presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on performance testing, reading and writing assignments, shop demonstrations, and visual media presentations. Tests and performance evaluations are used to determine the student’s level of mastery.
Grade 12 Related – Course #AT4R
During Grade 12 related, students will investigate and participate in lessons that build on coursework from the previous year and are designed to address NATEF objectives. Students receive instruction in the theory and operation of the fuel system, emissions control, diagnosis of onboard computer systems, heating and air conditioning, automatic and manual transmission/transaxle, clutch systems, differentials and driveline components, and use of scan tools, lab scopes, and test equipment. Instructional delivery includes presentations, demonstrations, the use of multimedia equipment and electronic textbooks. The curriculum includes reading, writing, and math assignments consistent with the automotive profession.