| What is an Automotive Service Technician? |
Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Service technicians work on traditional mechanical components, such as engines, transmissions, and drive belts. However, they also must be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity. Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. Service technicians also use many common hand tools, such as sockets and ratchets, wrenches, and pliers. In fact, experienced workers often have thousands of dollars invested in their personal tool collection. For example, some invest in their own set of pneumatic tools - tools, such as impact wrenches - powered by compressed air. Service technicians sometimes specialize in a particular type of repair that may be subject to specific regulations or procedures. For instance, those focused on repairing air-conditioning systems must follow federal and state regulations governing the handling, recycling, and disposal of refrigerants. |
| Degree and Certificates |
- Automotive Technology, AAS
- Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician, Certificate
- Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist, Certificate
- Automotive Climate Control Technician, Certificate
- Automotive Engine Performance Technician, Certificate
- Automotive Engine Repair Technician, Certificate
- Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist, Certificate
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| Prerequisite Courses |
- FYES 1000
- Degree level of proficiency is required to take General Education courses.
- Diploma level proficiency is required in math before taking AUTT technical courses. Please refer to course descriptions in online catalog for specific prerequisites. Students are encouraged to complete any learning support courses needed, and then General Education courses.
- Students are encouraged to acquire a personal set of hand tools.
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Semester Program Begins
Minimum Age Requirement
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Fall and spring semester
16 years of age at the start of program
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| Application Process |
Applicants to the Automotive Technology program must meet all Admission requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee. Individuals apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required. |
| Program Deadlines |
You may enter in the fall or spring semesters. |
| For more information, contact: |
Robert Bauman, program director, RBauman@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6742. |
| For admission and enrollment, contact: |
Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email ACTTeam@GwinnettTech.edu. |
Quick Facts
(This data was compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
| 2016 Median pay |
$35,200 to $38,470 |
| Entry level education |
Associate degree, diploma, certificate |
| Number of jobs, 2014 - 2024 |
237,200 |
| Job growth, 2010 - 2020 |
9% |
The Gwinnett Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Lisa Richardson, Section 504/ADA, Title IX and Equity Coordinator, Building 100, Room 708, 678.226.6691, LRichardson@GwinnettTech.edu
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