Toll Free: 1-800-247-7122
TTY: (262) 741-8492
Burlington Campus: (262) 767-5200
Elkhorn Campus: (262) 741-8200
Kenosha Campus: (262) 564-2200
Racine Campus: (262) 619-6200
Campus Closings: 1-800-353-3152
Faculty/Staff Directory
(Windows users: use CTRL+F to search)
(Mac users: use CMD+F to search)
As a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified school, Gateway Technical College is recognized as upholding the highest quality training for an Automotive Technician program. The Automotive Maintenance Technician technical diploma and the Automotive Technology associate degree program provide the hands-on training and education you need for a successful career in an automotive repair facility or retail service center. Gateway's automotive training programs are taught at the Horizon Center for Transportation Technology. The state-of-the-art facility houses the latest in automotive training equipment and serves as a strategic hub for the Midwest’s transportation industry.
31-404-3 Automotive Maintenance Technician Curriculum Sheet 2013-14.pdfThe Automotive Maintenance Technician technical diploma provides an introduction to essential automotive servicing techniques including the testing, repairing and rebuilding of basic automotive systems. This program prepares students to take up to four Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams in the following areas; brakes, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning and electrical systems. Graduates of this program have the skills needed for an entry-level position at an automotive repair facility or retail service center. Students also have the option to continue their education and apply their 32 credit diploma towards an Automotive Technology associate degree.
10-602-3 Automotive Technology Curriculum Sheet 2013-14.pdfThe 70 credit Automotive Technology associate degree program will prepare students for a career as an automotive line technician. The line technician can diagnose, repair and perform complex maintenance on automobiles and light trucks. The technician requires customer service skills as well as mechanical, electrical and professional skills to work on today’s hottest vehicles. Graduates can also obtain positions as parts and sales suppliers, testing technicians for manufacturers, manufacturer sales representatives, manufacturer trainers or a manager within a transportation-related field. During the program, students will become knowledgeable in engine performance, engine repair, manual and automatic drive lines, transmissions and transaxles, electrical systems and electronics. Graduates are prepared to take the Master ASE certification exam. The Master ASE certification shows potential employers and consumers that the technician is knowledgeable in the field of certification including the areas of engine performance, light vehicle diesel engines and automatic transmission.
Graduates can have a successful career in an automotive repair facility or retail service center. A variety of job opportunities may be available depending on training and certifications including; automotive line technicians, parts and sale suppliers and testing technicians for manufacturers.
Many Gateway Automotive Technology students begin their careers at area automotive dealerships and repair facilities while in school and work while finishing their associate degree.
Gateway’s automotive classrooms and lab have the latest instructional technology, including LJ Create- an automotive training resource, which is specifically designed for teaching the skills needed for the next generation of vehicle technicians.
The automotive lab at the Horizon Center is a fully equipped auto repair shop, featuring lifts, state-of-the-art vehicle diagnostic and repair equipment. Through a strong partnership with Snap-on Incorporated, the automotive lab houses the most up to date Snap-on equipment. Students will learn how to use the newest Snap-on diagnostic devices and obtain Snap-on certifications as well. Certifications include DVOM Meter, Ethos, Solus Pro, Vantage Pro and Verus. These certifications will make students more marketable to potential employers.
Students are encouraged to join the Automotive club. This club provides students opportunities including; attending the Chicago Auto Show, creating their own auto show and attending several other student-run events. Students can also participate in community service projects and have the opportunity to act as mentors, guides and judges at state and local automotive competitions held at Gateway.
Job opportunities are expected to be very good for those who complete automotive training programs and earn ASE certifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Graduates from the automotive technical diploma may find entry-level jobs in an auto repair shop with a pay range from $6 - $10 per hour. Graduates from the Automotive Technology associate degree may find a position as an auto line technician with an average hourly salary of $10 - $18. Many automotive technicians are also paid on commission related to labor cost while working at automotive retailers and other private repair shops. Due to the specialized training Gateway students receive, after five to ten years of experience, graduates may achieve annual salaries near $100,000.
The Automotive Maintenance Technician diploma program prepares students to take up to four Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams in the following areas; brakes, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning and electrical systems.
Graduates of the Automotive Technology associate degree are prepared to take the Master ASE certification exam. The Master ASE certification shows potential employers and consumers that the technician is knowledgeable in the field of certification including the areas of engine performance, light vehicle diesel engines and automatic transmission.
In addition, students will learn how to use the newest Snap-on diagnostic devices and obtain Snap-on certifications as well. Certifications include DVOM Meter, Ethos, Solus Pro, Vantage Pro and Verus. These certifications will make students more marketable to potential employers.
Please either download these documents to open in Acrobat Reader or view them in IE or Firefox.
Horizon Center
Edwardo Vargas
vargase@gtc.edu
Horizon Center
Robert Braun
braunr@gtc.edu
Kenneth Dotzler
dotzlerk@gtc.edu
William Fell
fellw@gtc.edu
Steve Semon
semons@gtc.edu
Chuck Wasik
wasikc@gtc.edu
Dennis Sherwood, Dean
sherwoodd@gtc.edu
Beverly Frazier, Associate Dean
frazierb@gtc.edu
