Automotive Technology

If you love cars, you can truly benefit from this program both personally and professionally. The automakers are doing well once again and are going to need highly-skilled professionals for this industry. This two-year program, which is open to juniors, provides endless career opportunities for students. Whether you want to be a robotical or mechanical engineer, work in an auto repair shop, or own your own business, this program will set you up for success!

Over the two years, you will participate in an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and National Automotive Education Foundation (NATEF) certified training program offering several occupational specialties as well as state certification. The State of Michigan certification tests are provided free of charge to eligible students.

Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to participate in the WTC MotorSports Team and to compete for awards and scholarships in the statewide Ford/AAA Auto Skills Contest and the Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society (MITES) competition.

Pursuing automotive technology will give you endless opportunities for careers that include specialization in computer diagnostics, maintenance and light repair, suspension and steering, brakes, engine performance and repair, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning and parts or service advisor, just to name a few.


Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course Title

Automotive Technology

National Career Cluster

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Michigan Career Pathway

Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology

Instructor(s)

Scott Westenberg, 517.244.1343
Ian Klages, 517. 244.1369

Instructional Assistants

Tom Pratt, Automotive Specialist
Kevin Cain, Instructional Assistant

Instructor Credentials

State of Michigan Continuing Teaching Certificate
Full Vocational Authorization
ASE Automotive Technician

Types of Credit

One full fourth year math credit
Michigan Merit Curriculum:  Visual Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA), one full credit

Second year World Language credit

On-line credit
Elective Credit: Recommended by WTC; awarded by sending school

Articulation Agreements

Washtenaw Community College
Ferris State University 
University of Northwestern Ohio
Universal Technical Institute
Lansing Community College
Baker College
Davenport University
Lincoln Tech
Delta College

Program Description

The opportunities for students in the program include learning the latest techniques in the automotive field,  using an online curriculum that is reinforced with a shop-based hands-on application. Career exploration, employability skills, technology skills, and the academic skills necessary to succeed in the workplace and in advanced education are integrated into the program curriculum.

The Auto Technology Program is certified by the ASE Education Foundation and aligns with the National Career Cluster and the Michigan Curriculum Framework Academic, Technology, and Career and Employability Skills Standards.

Additional opportunities in the Automotive Technology program:

  • Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning
  • WTC Motorsports Team
  • MITES (Michigan Industrial and Technical Education Society)
  • Student Technical Solutions Competition (Delta College)

Recommendations for Success (Prerequisites for Enrollment)

  • 9th grade (minimum) reading and math levels
  • Ability to read, understand, and apply technical information
  • Able to use computer/tablet to access information
  • Good attendance and attitude
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work well in teams and individually
  • Attention to detail
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Uniform requirement
  • Safety glasses and other appropriate safety equipment
  • Adherence to all OSHA rules and regulations
  • Ability to work in a noisy environment
  • Ability to lift and move equipment
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Visit for local salary ranges for potential careers Salary (www.salary.com)

Course Topics

  • G1 Maintenance & Light Repair
  • A1 Engine Repair
  • A2 Automatic Transmissions
  • A3 Manual Transmissions & Drivelines
  • A4 Suspension & Steering
  • A5 Brakes
  • A6 Electrical
  • A7 Heating and Air Conditioning
  • A8 Engine Repair & Performance
  • Parts and Service Advisor Technology
  • Automotive Welding

Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on the following grading scale. You must maintain a minimum of 70% to return to the second year program.

In the Automotive Technology program, your grade will be based on a combination of two things:

  • 65% will be based on weekly progress which includes hours of progress, tests, quizzes, and applied academics
  • 35% will be based on work habits, team participation and clean-up

Grade Option Percentage

Grade Percentage
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
E Below 60%

Grade Criteria

Attendance will indirectly affect your grade.  Poor attendance will lower your work hours.  You will be responsible for making up the work for any absences. Home school absences will not affect your grade.

If needed, make up work may be made available to you with instructor approval. The following activities may be selected to earn up to one week’s worth of progress (10 hours):

  • Complete extra assignments in on-line curriculum as assigned by your instructor.
  • Complete lab projects as assigned by your instructor

Automotive Technology Exit Outcomes

Students are eligible to take the ASE Entry Level Certification and the Michigan Mechanic certification tests in the following areas:

  • G1 Maintenance & Light Repair
  • A1 Engine Repair
  • A2 Automatic Transmissions
  • A3 Manual Transmissions & Drivelines
  • A4 Suspension & Steering
  • A5 Brakes
  • A6 Electrical
  • A7 Heating and Air Conditioning
  • A8 Engine Repair & Performance

Work Based Learning Opportunities

  • Paid or unpaid work based learning; guest speakers, college visitations, field trips, job shadowing and apprenticeships are available.

Universal Supports for Student Success

Extended Time on Tests
Audio Version of Tests
Allow Copy of Teacher Notes
Allow extra time in-class or outside class for work completion
Use of Calculator
Provide Seating Arrangement to Match Students Needs

Automotive Technology Program Virtual Tour

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Student Testimonials

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Music:
"Summon the Rawk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/