Working in today’s automotive industry requires an understanding of the science and technology that goes into modern, highly-sophisticated automobiles. At The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, students spend time in the classroom learning theory and then apply what they have learned performing shop tasks. Our facilities include modern tools and diagnostic equipment in step with the industry’s most successful automotive businesses. Using these resources, students will explore everything under the hood of today’s automobiles and learn how to diagnose and repair problems. From tires and suspension to computers and diagnostics, students will learn every aspect of automotive maintenance and repair. For more information, please contact Christopher Regan.
We believe that an automotive education empowers students both today and in the future. Our goal is to make a positive impact on every student and to assist them in achieving their career dreams. With a thorough knowledge of automotive technology, students may be eligible to participate in classroom to industry work programs, where they will gain valuable work experience, be paid to continue learning, and finish earning their classroom credit for Automotive Technology.
Who Should Apply?
The successful Automotive Tech student is motivated to learn. He or she applies his/her academic skills in the shop and attends class regularly. With a positive work ethic, graduated students have the potential to earn money and recognition in a satisfying career. They may become:
- Apprentice technician
- Automotive technician
- Fleet repair technician
- Automotive service writer
- Automotive management personnel
- Automotive recycling industry personnel
- Automotive parts department personnel
- Specialty repair services
- Aftermarket parts industry
- Automotive instructor
Coursework
Students will attend a three-block session every other day and earn three credits. Our course curriculum follows the guidelines established by the ASE Education Foundation for theory and hands-on activities to prepare our students for national certification testing. Mr. Chrisopher Regan and Mr. Mike Herrmann are the instructors for these courses.
Starting in the 2024–2025 school year, in year one of the program, students will take Automotive Technology I and Automotive Technology II.
Automotive Technology I/II
In this course students explore, handle, and perform basic functions in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. During the year, students will build on their basic knowledge of automotive technology and explore more advanced tasks in these areas. Students will also learn about electrical, electronic, and HVAC systems in automobiles.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, in year two of the program, students will take Automotive Technology III and either take part in an Automotive internship or take the Profile of a Hanover Graduate Capstone Seminar course.
Automotive Technology III
This course prepares students to perform automotive diagnosis and repairs in the following areas: engine repair, cooling systems, transmission and transaxle, manual drive trains and axles, suspension and steering, wheel and tire, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, HVAC, and engine performance. Students are provided with more advanced instruction in all systems as they prepare for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations. The automotive technology program provides the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing and challenging industry as an automotive technician.
During their program of study at THCTT, students will:
- Participate in hands-on activities including repairs to their personal vehicles and “live” work
- Utilize computers for electronic service information and repair orders
- Participate in industry job shadowing
- Gain understanding of the whole automobile through structured investigation of automotive technology in various sub-systems
- Receive industry training from major automotive manufacturers through an Industry Advisory Council
- Take industry certification exam (ASE Education Foundation) administered by ASE
- Students may also be eligible to take the Virginia State Inspection Test
Auto Services
The Automotive Technology course offered at The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology (THCTT) draws on the community for certain equipment and vehicles to be serviced as part of laboratory instruction for THCTT students. Visit our Automotive Services page for more information.