Transportation & Manufacturing Cluster

Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology involves the diagnosis, adjustment, and repair of automobiles and light trucks whenever mechanical or electrical troubles occur. Automotive technicians also perform routine maintenance work such as oil changes, lube jobs, and tune-ups. Automotive technicians use a variety of tools in their work. Most mechanics perform a variety of repairs, while others may specialize. The three-year program in Automotive Technology will familiarize you with all phases of automotive construction, design, operation, and troubleshooting.

What Qualities Should I Have?
Obviously, you should have a desire to study and repair internal combustion engines. You should not mind working with dirty, greasy parts or working in awkward or cramped positions. You should be able to apply basic mechanical principles and have good eyesight and hearing. You should also have a normal resistance to various types of solutions, chemicals, and noise. The ability to interact with and the desire to please customers are also essential qualities.

Instructor: Allen Fry (ext. 3350)


Automotive Repair/Refinishing

Automotive Repair/Refinishing is the process of repairing damage to motor vehicles resulting from collision and deterioration of metals and paint. Also included are automobile welding techniques and modern refinishing systems. The auto body repair person removes and replaces parts, replaces glass, removes all dents, sands, and refinishes vehicles. The auto body technician will be using the latest technology in unibody and frame repair and alignment, paint application, computer estimating, Chief Velocity laser measuring, Chief frame systems, Binks downdraft spray booth, and Blowtherm Ultra prep station.

What Qualities Should I Have?
You should have good manual skills, physical stamina, and the ability to notice slight differences in color and form. Most importantly, you should want to be an auto body repair person, which involves working with metals and finishing materials such as paints, solvents, and abrasives. Working conditions involve contact with noise, dust, and odors. The collision repair trade is a fast-growing area of employment. If you have an interest in restoring, customizing, or just upgrading the appearance of vehicles, you could learn the procedures used in Automotive Repair/Refinishing.

Instructor: Joseph Kaplafka (ext. 3446)


Machining Technology

Machining Technology involves metalworking, or turning a block of metal into an intricate part, such as a gear or piston, that meets precise specifications. You will learn how to set up and operate most types of machine tools used to make metal parts for machines and other equipment. Utilizing knowledge of metals combined with skill and machine tools, you should be able to plan and carry out the operations needed to make a machined product. Additionally, you will acquire a knowledge of precision measurement tools, such as micrometers and dial indicators, to check your work to the thousandth or even ten-thousandth of an inch.

What Qualities Should I Have?
You should be mechanically inclined and be temperamentally suited to do highly accurate work that requires concentration and physical effort. You should also be able to work independently and not mind doing work that can be repetitive and tedious. Machine shops are usually clean and well ventilated. Noise levels have also been reduced with the introduction of better designed machine tools.

Instructor: Frank Knorr (ext. 3352)


Welding Technology

The welder’s work normally consists of either the joining or cutting of metal. Welders repair broken metal parts on all types of machinery, equipment, and structures. They also assemble, fit, cut, and weld parts in the making of hundreds of different kinds of large structures and work in the manufacturing of different types of small objects and parts. Welding also plays a major role in industrial maintenance.

What Qualities Should I Have?
You should have good manual dexterity, good vision, and strong math skills. You should have good manual dexterity, good vision, math skills, and the ability to measure using fractions and decimals, and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Welding requires a certain degree of stamina, since you are usually bending, crouching, lifting, and kneeling. In addition, you will be exposed to strong odors, heat, and bright light. You should be able to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.

Instructor: Jonathan Rine (ext. 3356)