Program Features

With the increase of technology, so goes the increased need for technicians. South Plains College's Automotive Service Technology program is proud to be a part of this current technology. There are constant requests from potential employers for graduates of our program, with employers representing general and specialized service areas and geographic regions. There is a shortage of about 37,000 trained technicians nation wide.

Income Potential:

We all like plenty of money. Our graduates typically start between $8.00 and $15.00 per hour with some slightly higher, depending on field of service, location, and grades. We have a number of extraordinary success stories from our graduates with some leading to supervisory positions. Depending on company, location and skill, earnings potential can reach between $40,000 and $60,000 per YEAR! Of course, not every graduate will attain this, but the potential is there. It's up to you !

Graduate Placement:

The Automotive Service Technology program is proud to have an 100% placement rate of our graduates. More future graduates are needed to meet the growing demand.

Equipment you will use at SPC:

We have a large variety of equipment on hand to provide you with up to date training that will equip you to enter this career. Anything from a basic engine to computer controlled varieties. Additionally, there are abundant training modules for your educational use in all of our automotive technology courses. Our equipment is updated and kept current through direction of an advisory committee made up of industry representatives so that we may provide what is needed for the automotive service field.

Areas of Instruction:

We have a very comprehensive training program, running two academic years in length. During that time, instruction and hands on experience will be offered in the 8 areas of ASE certification:

• (A1) Engine Repair: You will completely disassemble, examine, diagnose parts, recommend replacements, reassemble, test and troubleshoot automotive engines. In the classroom you will learn the components, their functions and relations to other components, and general engine theory.

• (A2) Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: You will completely                                                                 disassemble, examine, critique parts, reassemble, test and troubleshoot automotive transmissions. In the classroom you will learn the components, their functions and relations to other components, and general transmission theory.
• (A3) Manual Drive Train and Axles: Theory, operation, diagnostics and repair of manual transmissions and differentials.
• (A4) Suspension and Steering: A study of automotive suspension and steering systems including tire and wheel problem diagnosis, component repair, and alignment procedures.

• (A5) Brakes: Operation and repair of drum/disc type brake systems. Emphasis on safe use of modern equipment. Topics include brake theory, diagnosis, and repair of power, manual, anti-lock brakes

• (A6) Electrical/Electronic Systems: An overview of automotive electrical systems including topics in operational theory, testing, diagnosis, and repair of batteries, charging and starting systems, and electrical accessories. Emphasis on electrical schematic diagrams and service manuals.

• (A7) Heating and Air Conditioning: Theory of automotive air conditioning and heating systems. Emphasis on the basic refrigeration cycle and diagnosis and repair of system malfunctions. Covers EPA guidelines for refrigerant handling and new refrigerant replacements.
• (A8) Engine Performance: Theory, operation, diagnosis, and repair of basic engine dynamics, ignition systems, and fuel delivery systems. Use of basic engine performance diagnostic equipment
• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: To repair anything, you must first be able to identify the problem. This is where your interpretation and application of theory show you where that problem is. This topic is stressed throughout the entire program.

In addition to the subjects described above, we also have on an unscheduled basis, seminars held by industry representatives, field trips and site visits relating to the automotive service profession and new technology. For further information regarding our courses or South Plains College, please consult the catalog, email us or send a request for more information. We will be glad to get the information to you.