Automotive Technology Program

 Welcome

The Automotive Technology Program is offered at two locations by Southeast Community College. The Milford, Nebraska, campus is located in a rural setting with small-town appeal while being located close to Interstate 80 and a short distance from Lincoln, Nebraska. There is also on campus and, within walking distance, off campus housing available to students. The Lincoln, Nebraska, campus is located on the east edge of Lincoln and offers an urban setting with access to the amenities and services of the city.

The Automotive Technology Program, an Associate of Applied Science program, is eighteen months long and is certified by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). Students begin by learning the basics of each of the automotive systems and proceed to learning advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting procedures. The hands-on approach assures students understand the complex principles and theories incorporated in today’s vehicles. All instructors are ASE certified in the areas that they teach.

Areas covered include:

• Engine
• Automatic/Transaxle
• Manual Drive Train and Axles
• Suspension and Steering
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronics
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• Engine Performance

The Automotive Technology Program prepares the technician for working in the exciting and challenging field of automotive repair which includes independent repair shops, dealerships, and specialty shops.

Overview

The Automotive Technology Program, A NATEF certified school, works with manufacturers, local dealers and independent shops to assure that southeast community college provides up to date and comprehensive education to the students. Students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are prepared to work in the industry in a variety of automotive related careers. A benefit of this partnership between the employers and the Automotive Program is that the school receives current information, vehicles and components from manufacturers allowing the instructors to teach and demonstrate diagnosis and repair techniques using the latest technology. Instructors attend local and factory update schools and seminars in order to stay current with industry and to be prepared to present this information to the students.

Engine Building Team
The engine build competition is a group of students that is hand picked by their instructors to represent the program at car shows and fairs. The students race one another to see who can put together their engine and start it in the least amount of time.

SkillsUSA
The Automotive Technology program has been a member of the SkillsUSA Club (VICA) since 1990. This club is a state and national organization which allows students a chance to develop their professionalism and to compete with other post-secondary schools from across the nation.

Mission

Program Mission Statement:
The mission of the Automotive Technology program is to prepare individuals for employment as high quality entry level technicians in the automotive repair field.

The Automotive Technology Program Goals:
The program goals will be reviewed annually.

1. Provide quality technical training in the areas of automotive engines, automatic and manual transmissions, suspension, wheel alignment and brakes, heating and air conditioning, electrical/electronics and engine performance as directed by the Automotive Technology Advisory Committee.
2. Provide the student with training to enable them to service vehicles at a rate of speed comparative to established labor time guides.
3. Provide a safe working environment with current equipment which is conducive to an effective learning atmosphere.
4. Conduct classes in a manner to help the student develop a sense of punctuality and time management.

Requirements

Basic Skills Test
Each student enrolling in a program at Southeast Community College is required to take a COMPASS assessment test prior to acceptance into the program. This test is used to determine if the students skill level in basic reading, written expressions, and mathematics are consistent with the program requirements. Students may be required to complete developmental course work before advancing to certain program courses. Specific information about developmental course work is available through campus admissions and career advising staff.

Tools
Students enrolling in the Automotive Program are required to provide hand tools for use in the lab and for use after graduation. While this can appear to be expensive, it is also an investment in your future since the tools will be used for many years. During the first week of each quarter the students will be offered opportunities to purchase these tool sets from various manufacturers at considerable discount. If you already have the tools, it is not necessary for you make additional purchases. Contact program for required tool list.

Automotive Technology Uniforms
Students attending the Automotive Technology Program are required to wear program uniform shirts while in the classroom or lab. These shirts can be purchased through the SCC Bookstore.

Student Responsibilities

• Attend each class and lab session in a regular and punctual manner.
• Maintain academic standards and adhere to academic policies.
• Maintain a minimum grade of 2.0 in each program course.
• Maintain all school requirements to attain an Associate’s degree.
• Be responsible for program costs: tuition, fees, and books.
• Provide a basic tool set and lockable storage.
  

Attendance
Regular, punctual attendance is required in all classes. Each instructor will inform students by means of a written syllabus of attendance requirements at the first class meeting.

Tools
Students enrolling in the Automotive Program are required to provide hand tools for use in the lab and for use after graduation. While this can appear to be expensive, it is an investment in your future since the tools will be used for many years. During the first week of each quarter the students will be offered opportunities to purchase these tool sets from various manufacturers at considerable discount. If you already have the tools, it is not necessary for you make additional purchases. Contact the program for required tool list.

Automotive Technology Uniforms
Students attending the Automotive Technology Program are required to wear program uniform shirts while in the classroom or lab. These shirts can be purchased through the SCC Bookstore.