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Automotive Technology

Engineering, Construction & Trades Academy

Trades & Transportation Pathway

Learn More About our Academy Model

Learn More About our Academy Model

View all CTE Programs MA State Frameworks

View all CTE Programs MA State Frameworks

Learn About Our Advisory Committees

Learn About Our Advisory Committees

Learn About Co-op

Learn About Co-op

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
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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
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College Partners

  • All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
  • Central Maine Community College
  • Keene State College
*depending on availability of chosen major 

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