Contact Us...
Darin Starck
Automotive Technology Instructor
Location: Skill Center
Phone: 701.221.1743
Email: dstarck@uttc.edu
Automotive technicians face a challenging future in the automotive field due to the increased complexity of electronically controlled components.
Some 46,000 automotive service technicians and mechanics will be needed to fill roles through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The qualified automotive technician has assured full-time work and a favorable income.
The Automotive Technology (AUT) program provides theory plus the technical skills needed to enter the automotive repair job market.
Upon completion, the graduate can continue a course of study in the field or pursue a career such as Auto Specialist Line Technician, Service Manager, Shop Foreman, Service Consultant at the Apprentice/Entry Level Position, or as an owner of an independent repair facility.
UTTC automotive training facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment used in major dealerships and repair facilities.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the UTTC Automotive Technology AAS degree and diploma programs will:
- Diagnose automotive concerns.
- Differentiate the undertakings of a repair.
- Apply automotive language.
- Diagnose and repair or replace drivability systems and components.
Industry Expectations
Due to the stringent safety requirements and rigorous physical demands of operating specific tools, equipment, and machinery, students participating in the UTTC Automotive Technology program must meet certain physical requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee in specific industries to successfully perform the essential functions of the training and industry jobs. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by individuals with disabilities. The Disabilities Services Coordinator will determine, on a case-by-case basis, if the accommodation requested is reasonable.
- The student is regularly required to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble large and very small objects or controls.
- The student is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- The student must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds with assistance.
- Students entering the Automotive Technology program should have good math, reading and computer skills to successfully complete the required courses.
- The Automotive Technology program, working in conjunction with the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, qualifies students to take the nationally Approved Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Accreditation
The Automotive Technology program, which is fully accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, qualifies students to take the nationally approved Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams.
The UTTC Automotive Technology program initially earned ASE certification in 2013 and has been continuously accredited since that time. Based on the most recent visit in October 2024, the program’s ASE certification was continued until 2030. The ASE Education Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry.
ASE accreditation recognizes nationally accepted standards of excellence in instruction, training facilities and equipment. As an ASE accredited program, UTTC students are trained in the many service and diagnostic procedures necessary to maintain vehicles of all sizes and shapes, using modern laboratories equipped with current service and testing equipment. It’s a seal of approval many employers actively seek out. Students who complete the UTTC Automotive Technology degree are qualified to take the nationally approved Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams.
