Automotive Technology Classes
Leading Automotive Technician School
Learn to Diagnose and Repair Engines in Only 6 Months
Automotive technology continues to expand to new heights. This industry is increasingly expanding and looking for talent like yours to join forces and pave the way in how we handle vehicles. With the hands-on experience and skills you will acquire in our Automotive Technology program, you can turn your passion for the automotive world into a career you can take with you anywhere.
This is WyoTech’s flagship program where you’ll develop skills that will prepare you for real-world experiences; something you won’t get anywhere else.
50% of your time will be spent working in the shop!
Why Choose WyoTech’s Automotive Technology Program?
Your new career starts with WyoTech! Our Automotive Technology classes focus on creating real-world skills by having you in the shop working on vehicles; coursework revolves around the auto shop. This is a truly hands-on program where you get to hone in on your talents.
Classes are taught by experienced professionals who have worked in the automotive industry for years. Working directly on vehicles isn’t the only highlight of WyoTech, you also get to be part of a larger community with collaboration between fellow students and faculty.
WyoTech has been around since 1966, allowing us to be able to develop our courses with a higher impact reached in a shorter period of time. At WyoTech, it takes just 9 months to complete the full Automotive Technology program and earn your diploma. It’s an experience unlike any other!
Our goal at WyoTech is to educate aspiring auto technicians to be the best in the industry and work at the best companies. We aim to develop the future of the automotive industry right here in Laramie, WY.
Your program will consist of 6 weeks of
Engine Management Systems
Drivability Diagnostics
Drivetrain Systems
Chassis
Specialty Program
Get more details on each course below.
The Automotive Technology Job Market Is Hot!
Graduates of our Automotive Technology program head into the industry with more than hands-on experience and a familiarity of industry-standard tools; they also have the backing of a diploma from one of the most respected schools in the industry, as well as industry certifications. Many of our graduates are putting their skills to work as mechanics, quick-service techs, and service techs. Although job placement isn’t guaranteed, our career services team works hard with our employer partners to place as many students as possible into excellent positions.
$57,402
U.S. Median Wage (2023)
75,000+
U.S. Job Openings
(2016-2026)
5%-9%
U.S. Job Growth
(2016-2026)
Engine Management Systems
In this phase, we will start off by learning about basic electricity, then move into operating a Digital Multimeter to measure voltage, volt drops, resistance, and amperage. From there, we will progress to the Starting and Charging systems and learn how to diagnose existing problems; explore engine fundamentals; light-duty diesel aids; walk through how the lubrication and cooling systems work in the engine; cover engine component inspections and repair; and prepare you to take the Snap-On Meter certification. Throughout this course, we will be using the latest versions of shop information, including All-Data, Shop-Key, and manufacturer service information systems.
- Fundamentals of Electrical and Testing practices
- Diesel engine construction and operation
- Starting charges systems
- Component identification and location of components
- Starting aids operation and diagnosis
Drivability Diagnostics
Using the same tools and diagnostic equipment you will find on the job, you will perform detailed sensor diagnostics, plus use lab scopes and scan tools to diagnose fuel and ignition systems, electric and hybrid technology, and more. You will also get the opportunity to earn certifications on the tools you will be using for diagnostics throughout the Automotive program as a whole.
- Using diagnostic tools
- Examining fuel and ignition systems
- Performing detailed sensor diagnostics
- Light-duty diesel low- and high-pressure fuel system theory and diagnosis
- Common rail injection theory and operation
- Injector theory operation and diagnosis
- Diesel emission component operation and diagnosis
- Forced air induction (fixed and variable turbochargers)
Drivetrain Systems
We start the course with a fully assembled automatic transmission… then immediately tear it down and spend the rest of our time learning how to put it back together correctly. Along the way, we will explore: differentials, drivelines, planetary gears, precision measuring instruments, torque converters, and the removal and reinstallation of a front-wheel-drive transaxle. Upon completion of the transmission rebuild, you will dyno-test the transmission to ensure proper operation of all forward and reverse gears.
- Transaxle replacement/removal
- Electronic transmission diagnostics
- Using precision measuring instruments
- Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
- Manual clutches, transmissions, and transaxles
- Transmission hydraulics and clutches
Chassis
Get to know everything underneath the vehicle! As part of this section, we get into the heating and air-conditioning systems, teaching you how to work with R-12, R-134A, and newer 1234YF refrigerant systems. You will also get hands-on experience with brake systems, on-car brake surfacing with Pro-Cut equipment (and the ability to acquire a Pro-Cut On-Car certification), computerized four-wheel alignment, fasteners, steering and suspension systems, supplemental inflatable restraint systems (SIR), tires and wheel balancing, wheel bearings, traction control systems, and vibration analysis.
- HVAC repair and maintenance
- Tire and wheel balancing
Specialty Program
Most Automotive students choose Applied Service Management, High-Performance Power Trains, Chassis Fabrication, or Street Rod, all of which are designed to complement the skills you have learned in the Automotive program and help you stand out to employers in the industry.
Industry Certifications Available
- MOPAR Career Automotive program
- Ford ACE program
- Snap-On
- Pro-Cut
- 525 Multimeter
- Solus Ultra
- Vantage Pro
- Modis
- Ethos
- Shop Key Pro
- 609 EPA Certification
- 10 – ASE Entry Level Certifications
Core Program Start Dates
April 3, 2023
July 3, 2023
October 2, 2023
Auto Tech FAQs
How long does it take to become an auto technician?
Our core Automotive Technology program takes only 6 months to complete. In order to graduate, you must finish the core program and a specialty program (3 months to complete) for a total of 9 months of education.
What kind of job can I get from taking the Automotive Technology program?
After graduating from our Automotive Technology program, WyoTech students have been able to acquire jobs as automotive technicians and auto mechanics. We aim to help aspiring automotive experts develop their skills to a point where they’re job-ready after graduation. You’ll be able to work with our career services team to communicate with our business partners for possible job placement.
*Job positions aren’t guaranteed.
Why is the Automotive Technology program only 6 months long?
Prospective students may often wonder why so many other schools have 1-year programs vs us where you finish a program within 6 months then take a specialty program for 3. The reason our students graduate within 9 months after starting a program is because we have developed curriculum that can be taught and learned within a shorter period. You get richer information, hands-on experience with vehicles–and it’s all taught in coursework that’s designed to help you understand, not struggle.
Is the Automotive Technology program full-time?
Yes, for 9 months you’ll be working 8-hour days, 5 days per week. This gives you the in-person skills you need to work on vehicles. You’ll also learn other important “soft” skills such as customer service and professionalism.
How much do auto technicians earn?
According to Indeed (2023), the median salary for auto technicians in the U.S. is $57,402 while the median salary for auto mechanics is $63,505. What you make will depend on experience level, the state that the job resides, and what the job requires.