Automotive Technology
This is the automotive department's project car. This car was built from the ground up by the SCC Automotive Association, a student club,
as an extracurricular activity. The club members come from the automotive technology program, automotive collision
and refinishing technician program, and the automotive machinist program.
The automotive technology program at
SCC is one of the leaders in the
industry in training students for a rewarding career in the automotive field. To find out more about our program and what it has to offer
you, explore this site.
Program Description
Average Length of Program: 16-117 credits, 1-6 quarters
Completion Award: A.A.S. degree, certificate
Enrollment: Fall, winter, spring
The Automotive Technology program prepares the student for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent
garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops, which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program in
any of the first five quarters. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and
the four related classes identified in footnote 1. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while
pursuing their degree.
Brakes and Suspension Certificate: This short-term certificate provides students with both theory and practical lab
applications in automotive brake, suspension and hydraulic systems. Students gain experience in the diagnosis and repair of the following
systems and components: master cylinder and hydraulic systems, drum and disc brakes, parking brakes, machining of brake drums and rotors,
power brake units, and anti-lock brake systems.
Engine repair certificate: This short-term engine repair certificate program provides students with theory and operation
fundamentals of engine diagnosis. Students gain practical shop experience in engine repair, inspection of cylinder heads, valve trains,
engine blocks, and lubrication and cooling systems.
Electronics/Electrical Certificate: This short-term certificate program introduces students to basic electrical concepts
including Ohm's law, magnetism, analog and digital meters, and test equipment. Students gain practical shop experience in the testing of
such equipment as test lamps, voltmeters and ammeters. Hookup and testing of electronics and electrical components and circuits also are
included.
Engine Performance/Air conditioning Certificate:This two-quarter certificate program emphasizes both engine performance
and air conditioning systems and components. Content areas include ignition systems, fuel and exhaust/emissions systems, theory of carburetion
and ignition systems. Students are introduced to heating and air conditioning systems and gain practical shop experience in their diagnosis
and repair procedures.
Automotive Transmissions/Transaxles Certificate:This short-term certificate
program introduces students to the theory and operation of both manual and automatic transmissions/transaxles, differential, drive line, and
constant velocity joints, late model transmissions, and transaxles components.
Toyota T-TEN: Students interested in receiving special training in Toyota T-TEN (Technical Education Network) may
substitute specialized courses specifically catering to Toyota T-TEN option.
Hybrid Cars: Spokane Community College is starting a Hybrid
class in the automotive program. This is a 16-credit course.
It will start winter quarter 2008 and can be taken after the completion of an A.A.S. degree or equivalent.
High Performance Cars: Spokane Community College has started a high performance class in the automotive program.
This is a 16-credit course. It will be offered during summer quarter and can be taken
after the completion of an A.A.S. degree or equivalent.
Program Goals
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- understand basic shop operation
- diagnose mechanical malfunctions and performance problems and make necessary repairs
- operate precision automotive diagnostic and repair equipment
- interpret repair manuals and computer-based programs dealing with specifications and repair procedures
- understand the importance of good public relations with customers, employer and fellow employees
- work with minimum supervision for or with a journeyman technician
- skillfully use tools and equipment
Career Opportunities: Most automotive technicians are employed by automobile dealers, independent automobile repair shops,
specialty shops and fleets. Employment is expected to increase because of the expansion of the driving-age population, consumer purchasing
power and multi-car ownership. All current automobiles are equipped with sophisticated computer controlled devices including ignition and
braking systems, air bag, etc. which require highly technical skills.
POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE: Automatic transmission specialist, salesperson, automotive technician, front end alignment
technician, heating and air conditioning specialist, engine performance technician and electrical/electronics specialist.
Words from Graduates:
Darrell Farris
Manager
Mechanix North
"We do all kinds of automotive and light truck repair. I like the challenge, the problem solving. There's
nothing hum-drum about being a technician. The SCC program covers such a broad spectrum of the industry that you can pick an area to specialize
in-or decide, like I did, to become an all-around technician. It's a real strong program. As a technician, you have to be willing to put out
a lot of money in tools, but if you enjoy the challenge and are willing to buy the equipment, it's a great field."
Karen Shelley
Delivery Driver
Barton Jeep/Eagle
"My grand father used to own a service station and I would pump gas and do oil changes in the summer while
I was still in high school. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to try college, but I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the way the SCC automotive
program was set up and how the teachers were so willing to help. It's a good program. All the new technology makes this a very interesting
field. At SCC they are very up -to-date, and learning the new stuff is very interesting."
Jeff Coffey
or
SCC Counseling Center, MS 2151
1810 N. Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99217-5399
Jeff.Coffey@scc.spokane.edu
Counseling: (509) 533-7026
or
1-800-248-5644 ext. 7026
Department: (509) 533-8066
(509) 533-8802
Contact:
Email:
Telephone:
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