Automotive Technology
Build Your Story in Automotive Technology
he WACTC Automotive Technology program focuses on the sophisticated tools and techniques required in the successful diagnosis and repair of today’s increasingly complex automobiles. Our program, which is accredited by the National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF), is designed not only to give students a working knowledge of auto repair, but also prepares them to become Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians. WACTC also partners with local dealerships, establishing mentorship programs and paid internships for qualified students.
Graduates of the Automotive Technology program who maintain a B average are eligible for up to 30 credits from Northwestern College, Universal Technical Institute, the New England Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Bay Community College, Motoring Technical Training Institute, Lincoln Tech, and Ohio Technical College.
Accolades
Scholarships earned for 2015-2016: $180,000
2004 Auto IPC Award (#1 secondary school program in the country)
2005 Skills/USA National Gold Medal
2002 National Auto Technology Champions
Certifications
Students fulfill the education requirements for four of the eight NATEF auto technician certificates by graduation. Upon completing the Auto program, students are eligible to be ASE certified after serving the mandatory one year on-the-job experience.
Internships
WACTC Automotive Technology students have worked at internships across Rhode Island, including:
Bald Hill Dodge
Balise Toyota
Tasca Ford
Balise Volkswagen
J&H Automotive
Balise / Majestic Honda
Jennings Goodyear
Midland Transmission
Chucks Automotive
Reliable Collision
Demos Used Cars
Curriculum
The curriculum is sponsored and supported by the National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF). The program is a certified NATEF Auto Service Excellence (ASE) program. Eligible students are enrolled in the AYES program. In this program, students are paired with mentors in local dealerships and work in paid internships.
Year One
The program begins with an introduction to safety, tools, equipment, and the auto industry. This is followed by Suspension and Steering Systems, Engine Systems, and Braking Systems.
Year Two
This year continues learning from the first year curriculum and adds Basic and Advanced Electrical Systems and the various facets of Engine Performance including diagnostics, fuels, ignitions, sensors, actuators, etc. At the end of year two, qualified students participate in AYES internships at auto dealerships during the summer.
Year Three
In preparation for second semester internships students learn Driveability Diagnostics; Manual Drive Trains; Automatic Transmissions; and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.