Automotive Technology
WVC's Automotive Tech Program is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. The WVC program received an award for Environmental Excellence from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The automotive technology program, is designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive repair field. It combines theory classes with practical shop work to properly train students for entry-level positions in the automotive industry.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification evaluation ensures that the WVC program meets or exceeds industry-recognized, uniform standards of excellence. Graduates of the program will have achieved competencies based on ASE tasks. Student achievement is based upon demonstrated performance ability and testing in all required areas. This promotes individualized instruction.
WVC is a member of Subaru University (Subaru-U). Through this partnership, students get hands-on training and may complete two levels of certifications required of Subaru technicians. Automotive students train on a 2014 Subaru Forester trainer vehicle. Students use Subaru diagnostic equipment that allows for communication with the vehicle, programming and testing. Subaru-U is included in price of WVC automotive program tuition.
Prior to enrollment in the automotive technology program, students must achieve appropriate
scores on the placement test that will qualify them for MATH 092T or higher (or have
completed MATH 090), OCED 101 and OCED 102. Additionally, students must have a valid
driver's license and a qualifying interview with one of the automotive program instructors
during which they will also take a mechanical aptitude test. Students must pass each
automotive course and supporting courses with a grade of "C" (2.0) or higher to remain
in the program and to be eligible to receive the associate of technical science degree.
Core program courses may have prerequisite requirements. English and mathematics courses require qualifying assessment scores or acceptable preparatory coursework in those subjects. See the course descriptions for details.
Safety glasses and coveralls are required for all students. A student may elect to
use a set of tools provided by WVC (for a $75 deposit) while acquiring his or her own
set of tools during the program.
Students who complete the ATS in Automotive Technology will be able to:
Demonstrate skills and knowledge in:
- the fundamentals of operation of heating and air conditioning system and their components.
- the use of the scan tools, lab scopes and various diagnostic equipment in the automotive industry.
- the use of the various scan tools used to test anti-lock brake systems components and sensors.
- the use of the various automotive scan tools, lab scopes and diagnostic equipment used in the automotive industry while testing engine management systems.
- the use of tools to test, remove, disassemble, install and service the air conditioning system components.
Demonstrate the ability to:
- locate, use and analyze information and technology resources to perform workplace duties.
- think critically (analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply, problem solve, reason quantitatively and qualitatively) in workplace environments.
- act responsibly as an individual and as a member of a team or group in a workplace environment.
Acquire training and education to seek employment or advance in current employment in the automotive industry.
Develop a foundation to continue their studies in automotive technology or related fields.