Automotive Service
Program Information
Automotive Service consists of testing, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems of the modern automobile.
The Automotive Service program at Trenholm State Community College is designed to teach a student the basic principles of all eight areas of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certifications (engine repair, automatic transmissions/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance) as required by industry today.
Occupational Choices
The employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow by 2 percent from 20221 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The number of vehicles already in use is expected to continue to rise, and some service technicians will still be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair tasks, such as replacing brake pads and changing oil. Increasingly, however, new vehicles are being built with interconnected sensors, cameras, and instruments that allow for predictive maintenance and remote diagnosis, thus reducing maintenance work hours. The graduates of the Automotive Service Technology Program have technical skills and knowledge that prepares them to enter varied fields. They can go into parts distribution, retail parts sales, tractor mechanics, truck repair, automotive manufacturing plants and the related suppliers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm (visited January 30, 2024).
Average Full-Time Wage
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $46,970 in 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $75,360.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm (visited January 30, 2024).
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science
Automotive Service
Certificate
Automotive Service
Short Term Certificate
Automotive Service
Brakes/Steering/Suspension
Engine Performance
Transmission
Electrical/Electronic
Engines
Air Conditioning and Heating
Program Contact
Reuben Buice
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4362
Location: Patterson Site - Bldg. G
The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.
Estimated Program Length & Cost *
| Award | Length | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Books | Tools | Supplies |
| Associate Degree | 6 Terms | 68 | $11,736 | $350 | $750 | $0 |
| Certificate | 5 Terms | 52 | $8,984 | $350 | $750 | $0 |
| Short Term Certificates (3) | 2 Terms | 12 | $2,076 | $350 | $750 | $0 |
| Short Term Certificates (3) | 2 Terms | 9 | $1,557 | $350 | $750 | $0 |
* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.