Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
Automotive service technicians and mechanics must be able to work on high-voltage electrical systems. Technicians need to be familiar with other parts and systems specific to these vehicles, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric generators. Working on all-electric or hybrid-electric vehicles requires skills in addition to those needed to work on conventional vehicles.
Some automotive service technicians and mechanics might also convert gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles or install systems to help improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The job of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology related work. Integrated electronic systems and computers regulate vehicles and their performance on the road. To fix problems with these systems, workers use both computerized shop equipment to work with electronic parts and traditional hand tools.
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of a two-year automotive diploma or degree or relevant occupational experience is required.
Award Outcomes
Evaluate hybrid technologies.
Interpret electronic service information.
Interpret wiring diagrams.
Analyze hybrid batteries.
Perform digital multimeter (DMM) measurements.
Evaluate electric machines.
Career Opportunities
The rising number of hybrid vehicles on the road has led to a corresponding increase in the need for automotive services for these vehicles. These services are performed at a wide range of repair facilities, including dealership service departments, independent maintenance/repair shops, and automotive repair chain service centers.