Northwest Tech offers the following career majors within the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Cluster.

Automotive Service Technology Pathway Career Majors

Alva Auto Tech Instructor's (Mr. Rader) website - www.nwtech.edu/rrader/

Fairview Auto Tech Instructor's (Mr. Watson) Facebook fan page - www.facebook.com/NWtechAuto

Automotive Service Technician - Alva Campus & Fairview Campus
Students in Automotive Service Technician career major will learn about the various types of steering and suspension systems, how to diagnose them and how to perform alignments. Students will also cover wheel service techniques such as, how to mount/dismount tires, wheel balancing, and tire repairs. They will also learn how to do general electrical system diagnosis, learn electrical therory, perform basic tests and then determine necessary action.The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Automotive Air Conditioning Technician - Alva Campus & Fairview Campus
Automotive air-conditioning technicians specialize in the repair and installation of automotive air-conditioners. Students in this major will learn the various components of air-conditioning systems, including compressors, condensers, and controls. The will also learn how to diagnose air-conditioning system operation and climate control concerns. In addition, they will also learn how to do general electrical system diagnosis, learn electrical therory, perform basic tests and then determine necessary action.The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Automotive Chassis Technician - Alva Campus & Fairview Campus
In the Automotive Chassis Technician career major, students will learn how to maintain and repair of the automotive chassis.The automotive chassis provides the strength necessary to support the vehicles components and the payload placed upon it. Students will learn how to diagnose and repair drum and disc brake systems, as well as anti-lock brake systems. They will also learn how to diagnose and repair, front and rear suspension systems and how to perform wheel alignments. The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technician - Alva Campus & Fairview Campus
Students in the Auotmotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technician career major will learn the basic skills needed to gain employment as a maintenance and light repair technician. This career major will expose the student to courses in automotive preventative maintenance and servicing and replacing brakes, and steering and suspension components. They will also learn how to do general electrical system diagnosis, learn electrical therory, perform basic tests and then determine necessary action. They will learn how to evacuate and recharge air-conditioning systems using the proper refrigerant. The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards and an excellent foundation for the entry-level technician.

Automotive Collision Repair Pathway Career Majors

Combination Collision Repair Technician - Alva Campus only
Students in the Combination Collision Repair Technician career major will learn how to complete non-structural collision repair and automotive refinishing. The courses that will be covered include non-structural damage analysis and minor dent repair, plastics repair, all aspects painting and refinishing. Students will also learn how to use various tools in repairing damage and to remove and install handles, moldings, trim, and bolted body parts. In addition, the student will learn to MIG weld industry standard joints following I-CAR standards. This career major also includes painting preparation, sanding processes, color matching and adjusting color, removing and installing glass, and the process of written estimates. Students will learn about handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and selecting proper personal protective equipment and maintenance. The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Non-Structural Repair Technician - Alva Campus only
Students in the Non-Structural Repair Technician career major will learn skills in basic collision repair including damage analysis to determine necessary repair procedure. Students will cover the operation of tools and personal safety equipment maintenance. They will learn how to use metal straightening tools to repair minor dents and dings in sheet metal as well as metal shrinking and stretching techniques. Students will also learn the techniques for mixing and applying body filler, selecting the proper sandpaper and sanding equipment, techniques for properly  sanding the cured body filler to original contour, and how to prepare the repair for primer. Also included is the removal and installation of handles, trim, moldings and locks. The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Refinishing Technician - Alva Campus only
Students in the Refinishing Techncian career major will learn how to perform vehicle refinishing which will include both complete and partial vehicle refinishing. Students will learn about handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and selecting proper personal protective equipment and maintenance. Students will cover preparation of a vehicle for refinishing; mixing and applying refinish material as well as adjust paint colors.  They will learn how to remove and install handles, locks, molding and trim, the proper techniques for sanding, proper use of a spray-gun, sealers and top-coats, color matching and adjustment and masking techniques that are used for blending. In addition, they will also learn how to determine the cause and corrective action for refinishing defects and failures. Interior/exterior detailing will also be covered. The hours completed in this major are aligned with ASE/NATEF standards, and ASE certification is recommended and industry recognized.

Updated on 7/7/14