Automotive
Students on the path to a career in automotive have several opportunities at Highland. Program graduates will be able to enter careers in repairing and servicing vehicles after earning an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree or certificate. The Highland automotive program has a 93% completion rate.
Possible Career Paths
- General technicians
- Specialist in engines, brakes, drive trains, transmissions, steering/suspension, electrical systems, tune-up/emission control, or heating/air conditioning
Auto Body Repair
Students in the auto body repair program (AAS) master the fundamentals of repairing and refinishing damaged vehicles and their components. HCC students learn about damage analysis, cost estimation, welding, metal body panel repair, and replacement, cutting, and repairing fiberglass body parts, auto glass, and body trim repair. Students also learn how to mix and apply the proper paint to the required component of the vehicle during classroom and laboratory experiences. Students apply their classroom knowledge during hands-on time in the technologically advanced shop area.
Advanced placement into this program is possible based upon previous auto body coursework and/or on-the-job experience in auto body repair. The program is accredited through ASEEF (Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation).
Automotive Service Level I and II
Automotive service (Cert.) students are well prepared for employment in this area as a result of their HCC education. Highland automotive programs include auto body repair, automatic transmissions and air conditioning, automotive mechanics, engine performance, engine repair, manual drive trains and axles, suspension and steering, and brakes. Since there are record numbers of automobiles on the highways, HCC recognizes the need for specialized professionals in this field. Completion of this certificate prepares students for the ASE Certification Tests. ASE accepts the two-year HCC auto program as one year of work experience.
Completion of the Automotive Service Level I and Level II certificate will provide all of the courses that a student will need to help prepare to become an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Automobile Service Technician. The program is accredited through ASEEF (Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation).
Automotive Mechanics
The automotive mechanics associate of applied science (AAS) program prepares students through the combination of work and education, for employment in the areas of computerized engine controls, air conditioning, transmissions, alignments, brakes, and engine overhaul. Certification is possible for automotive service excellence/master automobile technician.
Completion of this degree will provide all of the courses that a student will need to prepare to become an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Automobile Service Technician. The program is accredited through ASEEF (Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation). Workplace experience is encouraged and may be made available.
Contact Automotive Department
Our Automotive Faculty
Jim Palmer, Automotive Technology faculty
Kristin Stinnett, Automotive Technology faculty
Todd Vacek, Auto Body faculty
Majors
Auto Body Repair – AAS (Program Outcomes)
Auto Body Repair – Certificate
Automotive Service Level I – Certificate
Automotive Service Level II – Certificate
Automotive Mechanics – AAS (Program Outcomes)
Degrees
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate
Scholarship Opportunities
View all of our scholarships here.