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Career and Technical Education - Leading the Way
Valley Education for Employment System

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Automotive Technology offers great job opportunities as a service technician and can lead to related careers in management or teaching. Careers in automotive technology are challenging, interesting, and can lead to career advancement in related fields. High school programs in the VALEES region align with the award-winning Automotive Technology Program at Waubonsee Community College.

Employment as an automotive technician is challenging and interesting work in a field where the complexity of today's vehicles often leads to specialization in particular service areas. Opportunities will be best for those who obtain certification or licensure, a two-year associate degree and who are interested in continually learning new skills. Automotive technician's median annual salary of about $34,000 can range from $20,000 to $60,000. Highly skilled technicians, shop forepersons, and managers can earn much more - up to $100,000 per year in some cases.

Other employment opportunities related to automotive technology include autobody repair, diesel technician, small engine mechanic, automotive sales / management, and teaching.

Career Cruising provides additional career information that will be helpful in planning a career pathway in accounting. If you have not yet used Career Cruising, it will be helpful to talk with your school counselor for free access to this valuable online career planning tool.

Skills USA Illinois

ARTICULATED CREDIT
College credit may be earned at Waubonsee Community College if you successfully complete VALEES courses and meet applicable requirements.

APPLICABLE DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
Credit earned for completion of VALEES courses may be used as part of the requirements for certificate and degree programs at Waubonsee Community College.

If you successfully complete VALEES Course:

You may be eligible for credit for WCC course:

Credit earned for completion of high school courses may be used as part of the requirements for the following degree and certificate programs at Waubonsee Community College:

  • Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
  • Automotive Brake and Suspension Certificate of Achievement
  • Automotive Maintenance Certificate of Achievement
  • Automotive Transmission and Driveline Certificate of Achievement
  • Engine Performance Certificate of Achievement

VALEES Course
I315, Auto Mechanics II
OR
I125, Introduction to Industrial Technology
AND
I216, Auto Mechanics Occupations I
AND
I316, Auto Mechanics II

WCC Course
AUTO100, Fundamentals of Automotive Technology (2 semester hours)

    Additional information regarding Articulated Credit may be obtained by contacting:

    • Your high school counselor and/or Career and Technical Education teacher
    • VALEES