Automotive Technology

About the Program
The automotive service program at the Blount County Career Technical Center (BCCTC) prepares students to continue their education in the automotive fields and to gain employment in the automotive industry. Mr. Carlisle works closely with local automotive businesses and colleges to stay current on the information and skills necessary for students to succeed.  Mr. Carlisle promotes professionalism, safety, work ethics, and soft skills.  He works with ASE, Snap-on, Ayes, and SkillsUSA to empower students with the credentials, knowledge, and skills they will need in the automotive profession.  

The BCCTC Automotive Service Program is nationally accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and is part of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).  The automotive program is also state certified in Business/Industry Certification (BIC).

The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. As a result, these workers are now usually called “technicians” in automotive services. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.

The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.

Outlook
Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive service technician and mechanic jobs complete an accredited formal training program like the one offered at Wallace State, which provides intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Courses in electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and mathematics may provide a good educational foundation for entering such a program.
Career OutlookJob opportunities in this occupation are expected to be very good for persons who complete automotive training programs as employers report difficulty in finding workers with the right skills. Persons with good diagnostic and problem-solving abilities, and whose training includes basic electronics and computer courses, should have the best opportunities. For well-prepared people with a technical background, automotive service technician careers offer an excellent opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work with vehicles incorporating the latest in advanced technology.

According to a 2012 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics can reach more than $17.60 per hour, with salaries of more than $36,610.
(Information From WSCC)

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM?

A special thanks goes out to Mr. Carlisle for showing interest in the AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems). The AYES, and sponsoring partners, welcomed the Blount County Career Technical Center as a AYES site.  This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands on experience in a live repair facility. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of being an AYES School:
​*Provides opportunities for "real life" applications of knowledge gained in the classroom  (especially math, science and communication skills), thereby making school more interesting and enjoyable.
*Offers academic and on-the-job challenges in accordance with the highest standards for automotive technical programs in the country. 
*Enhances employability as an entry level automotive technician through the recognized attainment of specified competencies.
*Provides opportunities for the on-the-job experience in service repair environment, which will, in many cases, lead to an offer of permanent employment upon graduation. 

The BCCTC was the proud recipient of a 2010 Chevy Impala, which was donated to the school by General Motors.  Students are currently working to repair and remodel the Impala.   

Instructor

Mr. Carlisle graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School.  He earned an Associate in Electronics from Jefferson State and an Associate in Automotive Mechanics from Wallace State.  His work experience includes:  Carlisle's Garage (Owner),  Dewey Barber Chevrolet technician, Gardendale High School, Wallace State evening adjunct Automotive instructor, and Wallace State Assistant Automotive Lab Instructor. He is married to Annette Carlisle and they have two daughters - Sharon Carlisle Carpenter and Alaina Carlisle Rice.  He enjoys tinkering on old Chevrolet trucks.  His favorite thing about teaching is when the students get it" and they become more involved in learning automotive.

Favorite quote:  "Pay attention to detail."

Automotive Program Application