AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Drive your future forward! The Automotive Technology program at Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center (STCTC) is a comprehensive, multi-year training sequence designed to equip you with the essential skills to inspect, maintain, and repair the complex vehicles of today and tomorrow.

Taught by experienced professionals, this program focuses on a blend of fundamental mechanical skills and advanced electronic diagnostics, directly preparing you for immediate employment or further technical education.

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📚 Program Structure and Curriculum

Our program is a three-course sequence (Automotive Technology 1, 2, and 3/4), recommended to begin in the 10th grade, providing a thorough education in all major vehicle systems.

Course Level	Focus Areas
Level 1 & 2 (Foundations)	Shop safety, tool and equipment usage, basic vehicle maintenance, tire and wheel service, introduction to brakes, steering, and suspension systems.
Level 3 & 4 (Advanced)	Deep dive into the more technical aspects of modern automobiles, including advanced diagnosis and repair, vehicle performance, and electronic systems.

The automotive lab is equipped with up-to-date diagnostic and repair equipment, giving you hands-on experience that mirrors a professional shop environment.

🏅 Industry Credentials & Career Readiness

 

A core goal of the STCTC Automotive program is to ensure students are career-ready upon graduation.

●       ASE Entry-Level Certification: Students have the opportunity to earn Entry-Level Certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the industry standard for professional technicians. Data shows that at least 85% of completers pass OSHA or one or more ASE Entry-Level Certification tests, giving them a significant advantage.

●       Essential Skills: Beyond technical repairs, you will build critical job skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and technical communication.

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🛣️ Explore Career Pathways

 

Graduates of the STCTC Automotive Technology program are prepared for a diverse range of careers in the high-demand transportation, distribution, and logistics cluster:

●       Service Technician/Mechanic

●       Service Manager or Parts Manager

●       Independent Shop Owner

●       Specialized Technician roles (e.g., Diesel, Aircraft, Motorcycle)

●       Entry into high-performance motorsports (NASCAR, Drag Racing, etc.)

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Interested in enrolling or learning more about the next steps? Contact the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center at (803) 275-1767 to speak with the Automotive Technology Instructor.