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Automotive Technology

Engineering, Construction and Trades Academy

  • Trades & Transportation Pathway

Video: Hear From A Teacher

Automotive Technology teacher John Primpas is a Minuteman alumnus who has taught here for more than 20 years. His favorite part of teaching? “When you notice they have that ‘a-ha’ moment,” he said. “When something you’ve been trying to teach them finally sinks in.”

Program Description

All Automotive Technology students work in Minuteman's Automotive Repair Shop!

This is a four-year program designed in modules for students to study the eight general areas of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). A ninth area, Introduction, is also part of the course. This module is designed to cover basics; safety, tool usage and care, fasteners and common maintenance services. Module sequence is stated below under "Course Content."

Each module consists of related theory in a classroom setting and hands-on, practical application using live vehicles or “mock-ups” to support completion of the ASE task requirements for each module. Upon completion of a module, students will complete a written and hands-on exam. Students will also complete ASE Education Foundation “end-of-program” tests for each module and earn student-level ASE Certifications for each passing test grade.

Automotive Technology students interact with customers and generate repair orders as Foreperson/Service writer; as such, they also are responsible for looking up and ordering parts and creating estimates (parts and labor) for customers. Minuteman has been recognized by ASE. A team of industry representatives evaluated all aspects of the program and have certified that all 8 areas of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) have been met.

Course Content

  • Automotive Technology
  • Engine Repair
  • Electrical/ Specialized Electronics Training
  • Engine Performance
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Brakes
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Manual Transmission
  • Automatic Transmission

Career Tree: Automotive Technology

First page of the PDF file: AutomotiveTechnologyCareerTree2019

Automotive Instructors

Don Melanson

Instructor-Automotive Technology

John Primpas

Instructor-Automotive Technology, New Teacher Mentor
Certification Header

Industry Certifications

  • S/P2 Safety Training Mechanical Safety
  • Mechanical Pollution Prevention & Hazardous Materials for Auto Dealers
  • ASE Exams (student level)
  • 609 Refrigerant Handlers License
  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety
  • AC Delco Online Training

Possible Career Pathways

  • Automotive Machinist
  • Automotive Technician
  • Dealership Technician
  • Field Engineer
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Independent Repair Technician
  • Manufacturer Representative
  • Parts Specialist
  • Service Support & Management
  • State MVI Inspector
  • System Specialist Technician
Projected Salary

Salary

Massachusetts averages:

  • Auto Technician: $28.46/hour or $67,363/year
  • Auto Mechanic: $26.95/hour or $68,265/year

National average:

  • Auto Technicians and Mechanics: $22.54/hour or $46,880/year
Sources: Indeed.comU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Updated 1/1/23)

Advisory Committee Partners

  • Acton Ford
  • Colonial Volkswagen
  • Lexington Department of Public Works
  • Cambridge Fire Department
  • Mass Bay Community College
  • Bernardi Honda
  • Dudley Street Automotive
  • Lannan Chevrolet

College Partners

  • Central Maine Community College
  • Mass Bay Community College
  • New England Institute of Technology
  • Universal Technical Institute

Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates

  • Acton Toyota
  • Acton Ford
  • Lexington Toyora
  • Mercedes of Burlington
  • Palmers Garage
  • Colonial Volkswagen
  • Lexington Department of Public Works
  • Bernardi Honda
  • Suburu of Wakefield