Automotive Technology
Video: Hear From A Teacher
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY TEACHER JOHN PRIMPAS IS A MINUTEMAN ALUMNUS WHO HAS TAUGHT HERE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. HIS FAVORITE PART OF TEACHING? “WHEN YOU NOTICE THEY HAVE THAT ‘A-HA’ MOMENT,” HE SAID. “WHEN SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN TRYING TO TEACH THEM FINALLY SINKS IN.”
Program Description
All Automotive Technology students work in Minuteman's Automotive Repair Shop!
This is a four-year program designed in modules for students to study the eight general areas of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). A ninth area, Introduction, is also part of the course. This module is designed to cover basics; safety, tool usage and care, fasteners and common maintenance services. Module sequence is stated below under "Course Content."
Each module consists of related theory in a classroom setting and hands-on, practical application using live vehicles or “mock-ups” to support completion of the ASE task requirements for each module. Upon completion of a module, students will complete a written and hands-on exam. Students will also complete ASE Education Foundation “end-of-program” tests for each module and earn student-level ASE Certifications for each passing test grade.
Automotive Technology students interact with customers and generate repair orders as Foreperson/Service writer; as such, they also are responsible for looking up and ordering parts and creating estimates (parts and labor) for customers. Minuteman has been recognized by ASE. A team of industry representatives evaluated all aspects of the program and have certified that all 8 areas of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) have been met.

Automotive Instructors
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- S/P2 Safety Training Mechanical Safety
- Mechanical Pollution Prevention & Hazardous Materials for Auto Dealers
- ASE Exams (student level)
- 609 Refrigerant Handlers License
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety
- AC Delco Online Training
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- Automotive Machinist
- Automotive Technician
- Dealership Technician
- Field Engineer
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Independent Repair Technician
- Manufacturer Representative
- Parts Specialist
- Service Support & Management
- State MVI Inspector
- System Specialist Technician
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Massachusetts averages:
- Auto Technician: $28.46/hour or $67,363/year
- Auto Mechanic: $26.95/hour or $68,265/year
National average:
- Auto Technicians and Mechanics: $22.54/hour or $46,880/year
Sources: Indeed, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Updated 1/1/23) -
- Acton Ford
- Colonial Volkswagen
- Lexington Department of Public Works
- Cambridge Fire Department
- Mass Bay Community College
- Bernardi Honda
- Dudley Street Automotive
- Lannan Chevrolet
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- Central Maine Community College
- Mass Bay Community College
- New England Institute of Technology
- Universal Technical Institute

- All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
- Central Maine Community College
- Keene State College
*DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR
Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates
- Acton Toyota
- Acton Ford
- Lexington Toyora
- Mercedes of Burlington
- Palmers Garage
- Colonial Volkswagen
- Lexington Department of Public Works
- Bernardi Honda
- Suburu of Wakefield


