Automotive Technology
Piedmont Technical College's nationally recognized Automotive Technology program prepares future certified technicians for the challenges of the automotive industry. The specialized training you’ll receive in the automotive program will prepare you to become an ASE certified technician, a credential that can provide greater earning potential through demonstrating your expertise in the field.
Gerald Sartin, program director
864-941-8468Credentials offered
Featured Stories
Piedmont Tech Automotive Program Rolls Out Game-Based Simulation
A Career in Automotive Technology
If you prefer hands-on instruction to sitting in a classroom, and you're fascinated by anything with an engine, Automotive Technology at Piedmont Technical College may be the right career path for you.
Specialized technicians can focus on engine repair, manual drive train and axle, brake, heating and air conditioning, automatic transmission/transaxle and more. Job advancement in this field come with experience, further training and national certification tests.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this field to grow by 5 percent from 2014-2024.
Program Information
Students receive one-on-one instruction from experienced faculty in our state-of-the-art facility. Training is available in eight areas of automotive service: engine repair, engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxle, suspension and steering systems, brakes, and heating and air conditioning. Students also learn customer service skills needed in today's automotive shop environment and develop strong work habits.
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by ASE Education Foundation.
Automotive Technology instructional staff hold and maintain ASE certifications in all areas (A1-8, G1, and L1) and attend a minimum of 20 hours of recognized automotive industry technical update training each year.
- Career Outlook
- Median Salary Average: $37,750
- SC Salary Range: $21,630-$61,460
- 86% placement rate for 2022-2023 graduates
Salary and career information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Physical Demands
- active (walking, standing, bending, crawling, kneeling, crouching, carrying)
- reaching, handling, lifting (to 70 lbs.)
- Entry Level Positions
- Automotive Dealer Technician
- Service Shop Technician
- Auto Parts Store Technician
- Parts Assistant
- Small Business Owner
- Service Manager
- List of Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:
- A1 Automotive Adams Transmission
- Advance Auto Parts
- AutoZone
- Baldwin Buick Pontiac GMC
- Ballentine Ford
- Ballentine Toyota
- BMW Manufacturing Corp
- Burton Center
- Car Quest
- Carolina Ford
- Caterpillar
- Cooper Motor Co.
- CSX
- Dependable Auto Care
- Firestone
- Firmin Ford
- Frank's Shell Rapid Lube
- Gary Russ Chevrolet
- George Ballentine Ford Lincoln - Mercury
- Goodyear
- Greenwood County School District 50
- Japanese Auto Clinic
- Jeffrey Dean Chrysler Jeep
- Jim Hudson Toyota
- Jody's RV
- Kunkle Tire & Service
- Mark Hipp's Garage
- MIDAS
- Milliken
- Mr. Lube
- NAPA
- Newberry County Career Center
- Perrin's Exxon
- Platinum Auto Care
- Precision Tune Auto Care
- Professional Automotive Services
- Quality Chrysler
- Quality Nissan
- Robert's Motors
- SCDOT
- Smith Automotives
- Stokes-Trainor GM Superstore
- Superior Automotive
- Terry's Radiator
- Titan Farms
- Top Notch Auto Care, LLC
- TP's Automotive Service
- Tri County Transmission
- Wal-Mart Tire & Lube
- Wilson Tractor
Virtual Tour
Resources
Download the Automotive Technology Program's Required Tool List »
Awards & Accolades
- 2009 T2/Chicago Pneumatic Southeast Region School of the Year
- Top 4, 2009 T2/Chicago Pneumatic National School of the Year
- 2007 S.C. Automotive Award of Excellence (AIPC)
