Automotive Technology - Specialty Options

Advanced Automotive Diagnostics

Students who choose to take our Advanced Automotive Diagnostics specialty course can receive education that will help prepare them to take the California Smog Check technician exam - a credential desired by California employers within the smog check industry.

• Technical systems
• Body electrical systems
• Engine electronics
• Emissions devices
• Advanced engine
• Performance alternative
• Basic clean air course
• California BAR rules and regulations
• On-board diagnostics II systems

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities may include:

• California Smog Check Technician
• Emissions Analyst and Repair Technician

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Applied Service Management

Applied Service Management is a great specialty concentration for anyone interested in eventually managing or running their own shop. You'll study vital concepts for service management like:

• Business Principles
• Shop Management
• Accounting
• Financial Management
• Computers and Business Applications
• Communications

You'll also learn the theory on setting up your own shop, record keeping, OHSA standards and regulations, service writing, job costing, pricing, marketing, developing business plans, budgeting, finding lenders and investors, and so much more.
These business skills may likely be transferable to a number of career paths within the automotive or diesel industries.

Career Opportunities

Some career opportunities for graduates of this course may include:

• Service Writer
• Service Advisor
• Shop Manager
• Shop Owner/Operator
• Fleet Management
• Parts Manager

Students who chose the Applied Service Management concentration, along with the required core program, can earn their occupational associate degree upon completion. Associate in Specialized Technology (A.S.T.) degree is offered at Blairsville, Laramie and Sacramento. In Fremont and Long Beach, offered as Associate of Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree.

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Auto/Diesel Combination

The Auto/Diesel Combination courses offer students the opportunity to add specialized cross-course training in either automotive or diesel technology to their core classes.

Students in the automotive core may select two additional six week courses in diesel engine training. Student will study: Power Trains; Fluid Power and Electrical; Engines; or Engine Management Systems and Accessories.

Students in the diesel core may select two from the following automotive courses: Basic Engine Management Systems; Driveability Diagnostics; Chassis; or Drivetrain Systems.

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High Performance Powertrains

The objective of our High Performance Powertrains concentration is to provide the student with up-to-date specialty training in many high-performance applications of diesel and automotive upgrades. Student will receive training theory, hands-on repair and diagnosis of modern hi-tech diesel vehicles and gasoline powered vehicles with an emphasis on performance.

Course Objectives

Students can apply themselves to learn:

• Engine block design
• Rotating and reciprocating assemblies
• Performance camshaft and valvetrain variations
• Fuel injection management systems
• Ignition control systems
• Systems upgrades
• Electronic engine management system
• Computer reprogramming and calibration for outcome parameters
• Modifications and power train tuning for improved performance
• Chassis dynamometer verification of performance outcomes

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for students who specialize in high performance powertrains may include:

• Engine Builder
• Street Rod Builder
• Race Team Technician
• Performance Engine Tuning
• Aftermarket Parts Research and Development

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Light-Duty Diesel

The objective of our Light-Duty Diesel concentration is to provide students with the skills to work on light-duty consumer trucks and diesel engines. Students study various manufacturers' engines, and examine how diesel power and performance is achieved.

Course Objectives

Students in our Light-Duty Diesel concentration study:

• Duramax
• Cummins and Powerstroke Engines
• Engine Management Systems
• Dynamometer Usage
• Powerplants and Electrical
• Add-on Hydraulics Service
• Transmission Service
• Bed-swap modification
• Climate control

Students also receive training in theory, hands-on repair and diagnosis of diesel-powered equipment with an emphasis on light-diesel applications.

Career Opportunities

Some career opportunities might include:

• Retail Service Technician
• Industrial Repair
• Locomotive Service and Repair

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Motorsports Chassis Fabrication

The Motorsports Chassis Fabrication specialty course introduces students to metal working techniques that apply to specialty automotive chassis fabrication work.

This includes a study of metal types and configurations, measuring, pattern and outline development, mechanical drawing reading and development, attachment methods, metal finishing, cutting, MIG and TIG welding; frame design and modifications including boxing, tubular cross-members, c-notching, pro-street frame setup, roll cage construction, and complete tube chassis fabrication.

Course Objectives

Course training includes:

• Lay out cut marks on material in preparation for cutting, drilling or machining
• Develop and use common specialty automotive patterns
• Read and draw basic specialty automotive related mechanical drawings
• Perform various cutting procedures, including use of oxy-acetylene and plasma
• Operate various grinders and sanders
• Demonstrate MIG and TIG welding processes, procedures, equipment, minor maintenance and safety
• Recognize the frame designs used in the specialty automotive industry
• Demonstrate the care and usage of common precision measuring instruments used in metal fabrication and machining
• Operate manual machine tools (engine lathe and vertical mill) for component fabrication

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for students who specialize in chassis fabrication may include:

• Welder
• Metal Fabricator
• Race Team Technician
• Specialty Shop Technician
• Aftermarket Parts Research and Development

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Street Rod and Custom Fabrication

In our street rod and custom fabrication course, you will study the techniques used to customize vehicles and create works of art. You will become familiar with basic specialized sheet metal fabrication techniques as applied to customizing vehicles.

These techniques will include the use of basic hand tools and specialized equipment like the english wheel, power hammer, planishing hammer, bead roller and louver press. Our custom paint training will cover the application of specialized finishes like pearls and candies. Techniques will be taught for special effects including the layout and design of graphics.

Course Objectives

Street Rod and Custom Fabrication offers a solid foundation in:

• Custom and specialized sheet metal shaping and fabrication
• Application of lead (body solder)
• M.I.G., T.I.G. and Oxy-Acetylene welding
• Chop tops including carson style tops
• Hidden pin hinges (Suicide Doors)
• Body Construction including Firewalls, Floorboards and Transmission tunnels
• Custom paint techniques including special effects, airbrushing and pin striping

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for students who complete this course may include:

• Welder
• Fabrication
• Custom Painter
• Specialty Shop Technician

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Trim and Upholstery Technology

Course material covers trim and upholstery terminology, trim panels, headliners, headrests and armrests, shop organization and customer relations. Students also study upholstery tools of the trade, supplies, operation, safety and maintenance of sewing machines, analysis of seam types, layout with existing patterns and constructing patterns where none exist, sewing various insert designs, seats construction and reconstruction, interior trim identification, estimating labor and materials for repair. estimating jobs and more.

Course objectives

• Identify components common in automobile interiors
• Identify supplies of the trim trade
• Operate and maintain a sewing machine
• Sew all basic seams
• Calculate, layout, and sew all insert designs
• Name the parts of a seat cover
• Construct a seat cover without the use of an original pattern
• Repair a seat foam cushion and frame
• Operate a button machine and produce buttons
• Recover a typical headrest or armrest
• Layout and construct a pillow design seat cover
• Construct and install a headliner
• Cover a sun visor
• Construct a seat cover using the original pattern
• Complete a written estimate on the vehicle interior

Career Opportunities

• Trim/Upholstery Shop Owner
• Furniture Upholsterer
• Airline, RV or Yacht Upholstery
• Custom Shop Upholsterer

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