Entrepreneurship Academy
Automotive Technology
Building Real Skills for the Road Ahead
The Automotive Technology program gives students hands-on experience working in a professional workshop environment while learning the technical and problem-solving skills used throughout the automotive industry. Students work directly with vehicles, diagnostic tools, engines, and repair systems to gain practical experience beyond a traditional classroom setting.
Through teamwork, safety training, customer service simulations, and real-world automotive projects, students develop both technical expertise and career readiness. The program prepares students for trade schools, industry certifications, engineering pathways, and future careers in automotive technology.
Course Sequence
Students progress through a four-year sequence that builds both technical skills and business knowledge.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Certifications
Students gain industry knowledge and preparation for professional certifications.
Completion of the program prepares students for future ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification exams after obtaining the required industry work experience.
Additional optional certifications may include:
- EPA Section 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Certification
“I’m currently working toward my ASE certification, which is stressful but exciting.” - Jesus Lorente (12th grade)
Competitions and Achievements
Students in the Automotive Technology program gain real-world industry exposure through workshops, community experiences, and professional partnerships.
The program has established articulation agreements involving automotive training and continuing education opportunities with Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Achievements and opportunities include:
- Industry-aligned automotive training
- Professional workshop experience
- Community automotive events
- Career and technical education partnerships
Career Pathways
The Automotive Technology program prepares students for careers in automotive repair, diagnostics, engineering, and transportation industries.
Possible pathways include:
- Automotive Technician
- Automotive Engineer
- Diagnostic Specialist
- Automotive Electronics Technician
- Mechanical Engineer (Automotive Focus)
- Service Advisor
- Shop Manager
Students also develop transferable skills such as teamwork, customer communication, troubleshooting, and independent problem-solving.
Student Voices
Learning Through Real Experience
Students regularly take on creative challenges that push their technical and artistic skills.
Projects include engine rebuilding, brake repair, customer repair simulations, and diagnostic troubleshooting using industry-standard equipment.
“Taking apart and rebuilding an engine showed me how every part matters, because one mistake can stop everything.”
- Jesus Lorente (12th grade)
“Doing my first full brake job taught me how serious the work is, because mistakes can be dangerous.”
- Bernardino Ruiz (11th grade)
Teacher Perspective
Mr. Nestor Yero
“The primary mission of our academy is to prepare students for real life and real careers.”
Students gain both technical and professional skills, including:
- Diagnosing vehicle problems
- Analyzing mechanical issues
- Finding efficient repair solutions
- Using industry-standard diagnostic tools
- Practicing shop safety and workplace procedures
Successful students also develop important professional traits such as independence, teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking, and professional responsibility.
The program prepares students for careers, certifications, and continued education pathways by providing real-world automotive experience and higher-level problem-solving skills.
Advice for Future Students
Current students encourage future participants to take advantage of the real-world learning opportunities the program provides.
Program Legacy
The Automotive Technology program provides students with hands-on industry experience while helping them build confidence, technical ability, and professional skills that extend far beyond the workshop.
Students leave the program with real-world problem-solving experience and a strong foundation for careers in the automotive and transportation industries.
