If you like fixing cars and trucks, a career as an automotive technician may be right for you. The automotive industry is seeking mechanical problem-solvers who enjoy working with their hands and understand the technology involved in maintaining and repairing today's vehicles.
The median wage for automotive technicians and mechanics is $22.54 an hour – or $46,860 a year. Future career opportunities include the following:
For the skills you need to get started in the industry as an automotive technician, take the first step by enrolling in the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair course. The course is taught in person and allows successful participants to earn up to four industry recognized certifications.
Don't have enough money to pay for a course? Right now, Wake Tech's Propel program offers scholarships that cover the cost of registration and fees.
This class will cover the basics in the following ASE training areas: engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.
Engine Repair (Introduction to Automotive Industry, Hand Tool Identification (NC3), Shop Safety and Vehicle Lifting, Vehicle Inspection Demo and Practice, Lubricants Presentation, Oil Change Demonstration and Practice, Engine Tear Down and Parts ID (Demo Engine), and Drive Belt Replacement Exercise)
Bolt and Nut ID, Measuring and Service Literature (Bolt and Nut ID Presentation and Exercise, Torque Wrench Demonstration and Practice, Basics of Measuring Presentation and Exercise, ShopKey Pro Service and Repair Level 1 (NC3), and Repair Order Basics Presentation and Exercise)
Transmissions (Transmission Basics Presentation, Fluid Level and Condition Checking Presentation and Exercise, Driveline Presentation and ID Exercise, and Driveshaft/U-Joint/CV Axle Inspection Demonstration and Removal Exercise)
Suspension and Steering (Tire ID and Inspection Presentation and Exercise, Tire Dismount/Mount and Balance Presentation and Exercises, Resetting Tire Pressure Monitoring Exercise, Steering and Suspension Systems Presentation and ID Exercise, and Alignment Demonstration)
Brakes (Braking Basics Presentation, Brake Parts ID Exercise, Brake Fluid Testing Demonstration, Brake Pad and Rotor Measurements Demonstration and Exercise, Brake Pad and Rotor Removal and Replacement Exercise, and Electronic Parking Brake Resetting)
Electrical/Electronic Systems (Battery/Starting/Charging System Design Presentation, Battery Testing and Removal Exercise, Starting/Charging System Testing Demonstration and Certification (NC3), Multimeter Usage and 525F Multimeter Certification (NC3), and Relay and Circuit Testing Practice)
Engine Performance (Fuel System Basics Presentation, Fuel Filter Removal and Replacement Exercise, Air Delivery Basics Presentation, Air Filter Removal and Replacement Exercise, Ignition System Basics Presentation, and Spark Plug Removal and Replacement Exercise)
96
1
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) & National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
https://www.ase.com
https://www.nc3.net
No
None
None
None
90% attendance
If a student has extenuating circumstances causing absences of greater than 10% of the class time, the student must make arrangements with the instructor to provide evidence of keeping up with the class material and making up the work, exercises and projects missed or demonstrate competency in the course objectives. Students with irregular attendance, less than 90% attendance, or unable to demonstrate competency will receive a grade of NG (no grade).,Lab exercises, when applicable, are due on the date assigned by the instructor. Late assignments may be accepted only at the instructor's discretion.
N/A
Students interested in Automotive Repair
Auto Servicing and Repair
Automotive Maintenance Technicians
Entry-Level: Automotive Maintenance Technician
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Upon completion of this class the student will be able to correctly use equipment used in the restoration of vehicles to repair and restore a vehicle.
Recognize the major technological systems of the automobile
Explain authentic antique automobile restoration materials, methods, and techniques
Use materials and tools necessary to complete authentic automobile restoration work Demonstrate the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to pursue a successful business career in antique automobile restoration
Understanding elements involved with auto body repair and paint Paint and body shop safety (BASIC FIRST AID)
General hand tools (USE & IDENTIFICATION) Power tools (USE & IDENTIFICATION)
Body fillers (PLASTIC & FIBERGLASS FILLERS)
Mixing and applying undercoats
Mixing and applying topcoats Refinishing equipment Fasteners
100
No
Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)
No
None
Students will be responsible for basic hand tools to support the vehicle project student is working on: Body pack hammer Body dolly DA Sander Angle die grinder with grinder disk Air Blowgun ¼" drive socket set-standard and/or metric 3/8" drive socket set-standard and/or metric combination wrench set-standard 7/16-9/16 combination wrench set-metric 6mm-16mm Screw driver-common, phillips, torx Ball peen hammer.
Students are not allowed to use any tools or equipment unless they are properly trained. Students are not allowed to use equipment unless given permission and supervised by the instructor (i.e.-frame machine, welding equipment, etc.). Students are only allowed to work on one car at a time in the shop.
90% attendance
N/A
Students interested in vehicle restoration and repair.
Auto Collison Repair
Auto Body Paint Prepper
Auto Body Repair or Restoration
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Observe and perform safety procedures related to electrical systems
Identify vehicle identification numbers, electronic service information and service repair orders
Methodically approach and diagnose problems in electrical systems to make a direct, thorough and economical diagnosis
Do basic testing and service on battery, starting, charging and basic electrical systems
Perform basic "in-car" diagnostics and repairs
Understand the basic concepts and procedures to successfully repair late-model battery, starting, charging and basic electrical systems
Circuit Testing
Shorted circuit (short to power, short to ground), open circuit, grounded circuit, intermittent circuit problems, voltage drops, amperage draw
Battery
Safety procedures, open flame and explosion hazard, removal and installation procedure, basic construction and chemical action, sizes and ratings, testing/service (state of charge, cell voltage, capacity test, sulphation, battery charging procedure, clean/fill/replace, jump starting, replace cables and clamps, constant battery drain), interpretation of test results and problem/diagnosis (corroded connections, leakage, no-start complaints, slow cranking complaints, excessive water use, discharges overnight, damaged plates)
Charging System
Basic system components, purpose and operation (diodes, rotor, stator); circuit operation (various system schematics, voltage regulation, current control, light relay, field relay, ammeter circuit); test equipment (voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, diode testers); test hook-up and interpretation of results (field circuit, output test); problem and diagnosis (loose belts, defective diode(s), noises – bearings, belts, mounting, diode – undercharge conditions, no-charge conditions, overcharge conditions, defective regulator)
Starter (Cranking) System
Basic function, types and basic differences (moveable pole shoe, permanent magnet types, gear reduction types), relays and solenoids, construction and nomenclature of parts, starter drives (Bendix, overrunning clutch), testing/service (ground circuit voltmeter readings, remote cranking, inspecting control circuit wiring), problem/diagnosis ("chatter" noise. defective starter drive, worn bushings, worn flywheel ring gear, starter alignment, noise when cranking, high current draw, low current draw, will not crank, cranks slowly, worn brushes/holders, spins but will not engage)
Starter Circuit Controls (understand basic operation)
Relays, solenoids, neutral safety switches, ignition switches (including removal replacement) and circuit testing (voltage drop acceptable readings, solenoid/relay tests, supply circuit and control circuit)
96
No
National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
No
None
None
None
90% attendance
N/A
Auto Technicians
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Students will learn Shop key, Scanner & Lab scope, Basic Automotive Electrical, Lift Safety, Alignment, Digital Vehicle inspections, AC Diagnostics & will include NC safety & Vehicle Inspections. Students will learn via theory and hands on lab time.
Shop Key
Scanner & Lab Scope Training
Basic Automotive Electricity
Lift Safety
Alignment
Digital Vehicle Inspection
NC Vehicle Inspection
NC Safety Inspection
Air-Conditioning Diagnostics
ASE Test Prep
96
No
ASE- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
No
None
Safety glasses
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Pen/pencil
Note paper
LT-310 Action Form-Revised
DMV approved material and provided by the college.
None
80% attendance
Students must pass NC Safety & Vehicle with 80% or higher
N/A
Automotive Technician
General Service Technician
N/A
AUT-3001A3
AUT-3002A3
AHS-AUTE1
AHS-AUST2
AHS-AUTS1
Bill Lurie
[email protected]
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
This course covers advanced painting techniques and technologies with an emphasis on identifying problems encountered by the refinishing technician. Topics include materials application, color matching, correction of refinishing problems, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to perform spot, panel, and overall refinishing repairs and identify and correct refinish problems.
This course introduces the proper procedures for using automotive refinishing equipment and materials in surface preparation and application. Topics include federal, state, and local regulations, personal safety, refinishing equipment and materials, surface preparation, masking, application techniques, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and use proper equipment and materials in refinishing following accepted industry standards.
96
No
I-Car
I-CAR.COM
No
None
Tape
Airbrush Cleaner
Plastic Wrapping
Stencils
Airbrush gun
None
80% attendance
N/A
N/A
N/A
Refinishing Technician
Custom Resoration
Custom Refinishing
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
This summer camp gives students a chance to learn about automotive and collision and about exciting careers in the Automotive field. Students will participate in hands on activities with the faculty at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence and learn about career opportunities. Students will get their hands dirty in the machine shop learning about machining, engines, electrical and testing engines in research labs and even driving vehicles on a chassis dynamometer. Students at the end of the week would have completed a take home project from airbrushing as well.
Day 1 - Safety / Under the Hood
Day 2- Electrical / Hybrid & Ev's
Day 3- Heavy Equipment/Diesel/Tractor & Forklifts
Day 4- Engines
Day 5- Airbrushing, Collision & Defensive Driving
40
1
None
None
No
None
SAFETY GLASSES DAILY
CLOSED TOE SHOES
PANTS
T-SHIRT
None
90% attendance
N/A
High School students interested in the Automotive industry.
2025 Week of:
June 23rd Part 1
July 7th - Part 1
July 14th - THE SWITCH CLASS PT 2
July 21ST - Part 1
July 28th - THE SWITCH CLASS PT 2
August 4th -- Part 1
August 11th - THE SWITCH CLASS PT 2
Students must submit an application to apply for entrance into C.A.R.S beginning MARCH 17TH - Until Full.
12 Students will be chosen for each week.
To obtain an application be email [email protected]
YOU MAY NOT REGISTER ONLINE- APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED BY FOLLOWING THE STEPS ABOVE
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Demonstrate proper use of engine measurement tools and procedures
Demonstrate understanding of the operation of the four-stroke cycle gasoline engine
Demonstrate proper use of basic engine mechanical diagnostic procedures and tools
Engine Repair Introduction, Engine Parts
Measure Engine Condition
Engine Cooling, Cooling System Components
The Lubrication System, Oil and Oil Pumps
Cylinder Heads and Valves
Pistons & Connecting Rods, Crankshaft
Engine Mechanical Principles
96
1
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
ASE - STUDENT EDITION
No
None
None
None
90% attendance
N/A
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Identify and use high-voltage measuring and personal protective equipment
Identify low- and high-voltage circuits
Solve calculations for electricity, including storage capacity, charge rates and power flow
Use hand tools to mount and adjust components
Demonstrate safe work practices around hand tools and high-voltage components
Electricity basics (Ohm's Law, Watt's Law, basic circuits, relay circuits)
Battery (Identify types of battery chemistry – lead acid, NiMH and lithium – identify configuration – foil, spiral or prismatic cells and series vs. parallel arrangement – and assemble and mount the battery)
Battery Management System (Cell monitoring, cell balancing, current monitoring and mount and connect the BMS)
On-Board Chargers (Charging rates, charger safety protocols and mount the OBC)
Motors (DC vs. AC motors, motor speed control and mount the motor)
Low-Voltage System (Lighting circuits, mount the lighting and wire harness, DC-DC converters, mount the DC-DC converter, safety Interlocks and wire in safety interlocks)
Steering, Suspension & Brakes (Basic suspension and steering theory, mount the suspension, align the front wheels, basic brake theory and mount and bleed brakes)
Software (BMS software, controller software, monitoring software and program and configure modules)
Driving (Test drive to verify all components function, monitor current use and range, calculate efficiency and reconfigure settings and compare after follow-up test drive)
96
No
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) & National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
https://www.ase.com https://www.nc3.net
No
None
None
None
90% attendance
N/A
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Utilize service information (electrical diagrams, diagnostic charts, specifications) to perform diagnosis and repair on hybrid and electric vehicles
Apply electrical/electronic theory to the operation of the unique systems and components used in modern hybrid and all-electric vehicles
Demonstrate proficiency at charging plug-in and all-electric vehicles
Demonstrate proficiency using a digital multimeter and pass NC3 certification
Assess hybrid and electric vehicle performance by using the proper diagnostic tools and proper interpretation of test data
Utilize specialized diagnostic equipment to test and validate vehicle performance
Utilize specialized repair tools and equipment when performing laboratory repair tasks
Correctly perform all laboratory tasks assigned
Observe special safety procedures related to different vehicles
Locate relevant safety information
Research system operation using technical information to determine how to safely handle and disable various electrical systems
Use appropriate disconnect procedures to remove the charging cable from the vehicle and charging station
Use appropriate start-up procedures and how to engage the vehicle for operation
Use appropriate shutdown procedures based on available vehicle data and service information
Understand how to identify safe/unsafe charging stations/plugs
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Definition, compare series, parallel and series-parallel hybrid configurations, analyze basic operational differences between different types of electric hybrid vehicles, identify the accessory components found in hybrid electric vehicles)
Review of Electrical Theory (Basic principles of electricity, examine the effects of various circuit failures in both series and parallel circuits, examine how the principles of electromagnetism affect electric drive systems, describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism, explain how self and mutual inductance is used)
Unique Hybrid Electrical Circuits (Describe the basic operation of electric motors and generators, identify the major parts of a DC motor and a three-phase AC motor, explain the differences between a motor and a generator (AC and DC), analyze the operation of a controller in a motor/generator circuit, examine the communication and multiplex systems used in most hybrid electric vehicles, explain the function and operation of an inverter, describe the operation and function of the idle stop mode, examine the operation and function of regenerative braking, describe the basic operation and function of the air conditioning system found in most hybrid electric vehicles)
High-Voltage Battery Packs (Purpose, describe the construction and operation of various types of high-voltage batteries, explain how hybrid batteries are recharged, examine the operation and construction of the high-voltage battery cooling system, identify the precautions that must be adhered to when working with or around high-voltage systems, identify diagnostic method to test high-voltage batteries, identify methods to recondition various high-voltage batteries, identify and demonstrate procedures for removing and replacing high-voltage battery packs, identify and demonstrate diagnostic testing on the battery management system, identify and demonstrate procedures diagnostic testing on high-voltage system cooling system)
Hybrid Transaxles (Differences between a conventional transmission and those used in most hybrid and electric vehicles, examine the basic operation of the transaxle used in hybrid and electric vehicles)
Maintenance and Service (Unique methods of servicing hybrid and electric vehicles, identify the procedure for de-powering the high-voltage system, identify the preventative maintenance procedures unique to hybrid and electric vehicles, describe the special diagnostic tools that must be used on a hybrid or electric vehicle)
Location of and Safety Concerns for a Hybrid Vehicle
Hybrid Vehicle Drive Train Configurations (Series and parallel)
Hybrid Vehicle Electric Motor Control
Hybrid Vehicle ICE Controls
Hybrid Module Principles
Battery Electric Vehicle History
Location of and Safety Concerns for Traction Battery Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicle High-Voltage Strings
Battery Electric Vehicle Charging
Battery Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Battery Electric Vehicle Traction Motors
Battery Electric Vehicle Controllers and Inverters
Lab: Identify Unique Hybrid and Electric Components and Systems and Explain Major Systems Functions
Lab: Safety Procedures (Identify and locate safety shut-off switches, perform general safety procedures and follow safety guidelines)
Lab: Routine Maintenance (Perform traditional services impacted by hybrid and electric vehicle design and perform various maintenance tasks required on hybrid and electric vehicles)
Lab: Battery Maintenance (Perform battery diagnostics, diagnose a hybrid battery, perform diagnostic testing on the battery management system, perform diagnostic testing on the high-voltage system's cooling system)
Lab: Troubleshooting (Demonstrate how to use special diagnostic tools, perform various diagnostic procedures, interpret and identify diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) associated with hybrid vehicles, perform diagnostic testing on a multiplex communication system)
40
1
National Coalition of Certification Centers
NC3 Certification Center, is an entry-level NC3 membership, designed for high schools, colleges, and other education institutions looking to offer certifications on a small scale.
No
Successful completion of this course requires 90% attendance and satisfactory class participation (i.e. be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught). Students with irregular attendance, less than 90% attendance, or who are unable to demonstrate competency will receive a grade of NG (no grade)
Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will not be allowed into the classroom after the test begins. No makeup testing dates will be offered
Lab exercises, when applicable, are due on the date assigned by the instructor. Late assignments may be accepted only at the instructor's discretion.
Notebook
Pen
Safety glasses
Safety shoes
Gloves
Automotive Garage /Lab
90% attendance
N/A
Students interested in becoming technicians in EV diagnostics maintenance and repair. This course is intended for experienced technicians with a basic knowledge of diagnostic procedures and equipment.
Automotive Body Repair, Restoration, and Collision.
Interoperability Test Engineer, EV Charging ABB - Cary, NC Regular
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Identify and use high-voltage measuring and personal protective equipment
Identify low- and high-voltage circuits
Solve calculations for electricity, including storage capacity, charge rates and power flow
Use hand tools to mount and adjust components
Demonstrate safe work practices around hand tools and high-voltage components
Electricity basics (Ohm's Law, Watt's Law, basic circuits, relay circuits)
Battery (Identify types of battery chemistry – lead acid, NiMH and lithium – identify configuration – foil, spiral or prismatic cells and series vs. parallel arrangement – and assemble and mount the battery)
Battery Management System (Cell monitoring, cell balancing, current monitoring and mount and connect the BMS)
On-Board Chargers (Charging rates, charger safety protocols and mount the OBC)
Motors (DC vs. AC motors, motor speed control and mount the motor)
Low-Voltage System (Lighting circuits, mount the lighting and wire harness, DC-DC converters, mount the DC-DC converter, safety Interlocks and wire in safety interlocks)
Steering, Suspension & Brakes (Basic suspension and steering theory, mount the suspension, align the front wheels, basic brake theory and mount and bleed brakes)
Software (BMS software, controller software, monitoring software and program and configure modules)
Driving (Test drive to verify all components function, monitor current use and range, calculate efficiency and reconfigure settings and compare after follow-up test drive)
40
No
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) & National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
https://www.ase.com https://www.nc3.net
No
None
None
None
90% attendance
N/A
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Learn the major components of an automatic transmission/transaxle and how different gear ratios can be obtained automatically
Learn the diagnostic process and tools used in finding and repairing causes of automatic transmission problems
Clutch and Manual Transmissions
Automatic Transmission Overview and Control
Torque Converter and Hydraulic Pump
Planetary Gear Set Power Flow
Combined Planetary Gear Set Power Flow
Clutch Packs, Bands and Apply Devices
Hydraulics and Controls
CVT and Dual Clutch
96
1
ASE- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Student ASE Edition
No
None
Textbook(s)
Textbook Title: Automatic and Manual Transmission Systems
Author: Eelectude
ISBN: 978-94-93203-56
None
90% attendance
N/A
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Identify and use high-voltage measuring and personal protective equipment
Identify low- and high-voltage circuits
Solve calculations for electricity, including storage capacity, charge rates and power flow
Use hand tools to mount and adjust the components
Demonstrate safe work practices around hand tools and high-voltage components
Electricity Basics
a. Ohms Law
b. Watts Law
c. Basic Circuits
d. Relay Circuits
Battery
a. Identify types of battery chemistry
i. Lead acid
ii. NiMH
iii. Lithium
b. Identify configuration
i. Foil, spiral, prismatic cells
ii. Series vs. parallel arrangement
c. Assemble and mount the battery
Battery Management System
a. Cell monitoring
b. Cell balancing
c. Current monitoring
d. Mount and connect the BMS
On-Board Chargers
a. Charging rates
b. Charger safety protocols
c. Mount the OBC
Motors
a. DC vs. AC motors
b. Motor speed control
c. Mount the motor
Low-voltage system
a. Lighting circuits
b. Mount the lighting and wire harness
c. DC-DC converters
d. Mount the DC-DC converter
e. Safety Interlocks
f. Wire in safety interlocks
Steering, Suspension, Brakes
a. Basic suspension and steering theory
b. Mount the suspension
c. Align the front wheels
d. Basic brake theory
e. Mount and bleed brakes
Software
a. BMS software
b. Controller software
c. Monitoring software
d. Program and configure modules
Driving
a. Test drive to verify all components function
b. Monitor current use and range
c. Calculate efficiency
d. Reconfigure settings and compare after follow-up test drive
40
1
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and National Coalition of Certification on Centers (NC3)
None
No
Students must be in or about to enter high school and must have successfully taken Part 1 of the summer camp.
N/A
N/A
90% attendance
N/A
This course is designed for current or rising high school students who have successfully completed Part 1 of the summer camp program. It is tailored for learners interested in building and understanding the components of a simple electric vehicle, including electrical theory, component assembly, software configuration and vehicle testing.
N/A
N/A
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.