Automotive Pathway: Driving the Plane, Train, and Automobile

Are you interested in the automotive industry? Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has the perfect program to build your skills!

Open to high school students as early as the sophomore year.  Students at any high school in Stafford have the opportunity to participate in an automotive program.

By completing an automotive pathway, students may earn an industry credential and have the opportunity to apply for job shadowing and internship with local automotive businesses. Programs are available in Automotive Technology and Auto Body Technology.  These courses are taught by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Instructors.

The Automotive Technology program is a 3-year program focusing on mastery of each task for entry-level job skills. Students will complete an application and a pre-test before being admitted to Automotive Technology I. In this one-credit course, students learn all aspects of repair, safety, and customer service by concentrating on the four primary ASE certified areas: brakes, steering and suspension, electrical/electronics, and light-duty vehicle repair. The Automotive Technology II course would be next in the program.  Students will learn to repair cooling, brake, drive train, and suspension systems. Instruction is also given in adjusting and repairing individual components and systems such as radiators, transmission, and fuel injectors. Students will have the opportunity to apply for job shadowing and internships with local automotive businesses through the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) program.  Automotive Technology III, is a more advanced course with required background in Automotive Technology II. In this two-credit course, students will continue to master skills related to suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/ electronic systems, and engine performance.

The Auto Body Technology program is also a 3-year program focusing on mastery of each task for entry-level job skills as a priority. Students will complete a pre-test before being admitted to

Auto Body Technology I, as required by NATEF. The first course is Auto body Technology I- Collision and Repair, a two-credit course.  Students are taught non-structural analysis, damage repair, and

welding. Students will understand the construction of the body and frame. While working with various tools and materials, using metal finishing and body filling techniques to prepare surfaces and repair panels, students learn automotive history, practice shop safety, gain career skills, and use custom techniques.  Once students have required the background from the first course, then Auto Body Technology II- Painting and Refinishing course is next.  Students are taught to repair, mask, and refinish auto body components and entire vehicles in the four-credit course. In addition, they use spray guns and personal safety equipment, apply undercoats and topcoats. Students continue to improve their skills in welding and body repair.  The third course in this program is Auto Body Technology III- Collision and Repair and Painting and Refinishing.  

Students further apply the tasks/competencies learned in Auto Body Technology I and II in this four-credit course. This course may also be used as a capstone course in which students may perfect their auto body skills and move toward employment in the industry. Students who complete this program sequence will be prepared to take and pass the respective ASE exam.

Students may continue developing their knowledge through a secondary education program or an internship. Students may also have the opportunity to work right after high school in the automotive industry.

If you would like more information about the automotive pathways, contact your school counselor for more information.