, Table of Contents
Section 1: Automotive Technology.................................................................................. 1-1
Section 2: Engines. ........................................................................................................... 2-1
Section 3: Electricity ........................................................................................................ 3-1
Section 4: Engine Performance ........................................................................................ 4-1
Section 5: Manual Transmissions and Transaxles............................................................ 5-1
Section 6: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles ....................................................... 6-1
Section 7: Suspension and Steering Systems ................................................................... 7-1
Section 8: Brakes.............................................................................................................. 8-1
Section 9: Passenger Comfort .......................................................................................... 9-1
, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 4Ce
CHAPTER 1
Careers in the Automotive Industry
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
This chapter examines the automotive industry today and points out the changes that are occurring.
Professional service provided by a properly trained technician is critical because of the technology
used in today’s vehicles. A detailed description is given of what it takes to be a professional
technician. Included are descriptions of career opportunities, job classifications, and the various
automotive education programs that are available in Canada. Automotive Service Technician
Interprovincial Standards and ASE certification requirements are also provided.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Describe the reasons why today’s automotive industry is considered a global industry.
Explain how computer technology has changed the way vehicles are built and serviced.
Explain why the need for qualified automotive technicians is increasing.
Describe the major types of businesses that employ automotive technicians.
List some of the many job opportunities available to people with a background in automotive
technology.
Describe the different ways a student can gain work experience while attending classes.
Describe the requirements for Red Seal certification of automotive technicians.
INSTRUCTIONAL OUTLINE WITH TEACHING HINTS
I. Servicing Today’s Vehicles
A. The Importance of Automotive Technicians
B. The Need for Quality Service
C. The Need for Ongoing Service
1. Warranties
2. Increased Vehicle Age
Hint: Discuss the need for repairs as cars become older and what opportunities this
need presents to a qualified technician.
D. Career Opportunities
1. Dealerships
2. Independent Service Shops
3. Franchise Repair Shop
4. Store-Associated Shops
5. Fleet Service and Maintenance
Hint: Discuss career opportunities in all areas of automotive service.
II. Job Classifications
A. Service Technician
1‐1
, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 4Ce
B. Shop Foreman
C. Service Adviser
D. Service Manager
E. Service Director
F. Parts Counterperson
G. Parts Manager
Hint: Discuss the various automotive shop positions and how they each relate to the
technicians.
III. Related Career Opportunities
A. Parts Distribution
B. Marketing and Sales
C. Other Opportunities
IV. Training for a Career in Automotive Service
A. Student Work Experience
1. Job Shadowing Program
2. Mentoring Program
3. Cooperative Education
4. Part-Time Employment
B. Canada’s Automotive Apprenticeship Program
C. The Need for Continuous Learning
V. ASE Certification
Hint: Introduce the various programs in your area that are available to students.
WHAT ARE COMMON STUDENT MISCONCEPTIONS AND
STUMBLING BLOCKS?
Without experience, students will struggle with understanding how an automotive shop functions.
Possibly have a shop owner visit the class or arrange to take the students to observe a shop during
operating hours.
To help students understand a shop’s different job classifications, place various students as the shop
foreman or service writer and have them arrange the “workload” for the day’s shop activities.
Have the students refer to the job classification section of the chapter as a reference for these
assignments. Refer to pages 8-12 of Chapter 1 for reference.
SHOP ACTIVITIES AND CASE STUDIES
Here are some activities you can review in-class as a group, or ask students to complete individually or in
pairs:
1. Research a vehicle of your choice. Visit the manufacturer or dealership website. Make a list of all
of the systems in that vehicle that are controlled by electronics. If you are unsure of system, include
its name on the list and talk to your instructor about it.
1‐2
Section 1: Automotive Technology.................................................................................. 1-1
Section 2: Engines. ........................................................................................................... 2-1
Section 3: Electricity ........................................................................................................ 3-1
Section 4: Engine Performance ........................................................................................ 4-1
Section 5: Manual Transmissions and Transaxles............................................................ 5-1
Section 6: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles ....................................................... 6-1
Section 7: Suspension and Steering Systems ................................................................... 7-1
Section 8: Brakes.............................................................................................................. 8-1
Section 9: Passenger Comfort .......................................................................................... 9-1
, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 4Ce
CHAPTER 1
Careers in the Automotive Industry
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
This chapter examines the automotive industry today and points out the changes that are occurring.
Professional service provided by a properly trained technician is critical because of the technology
used in today’s vehicles. A detailed description is given of what it takes to be a professional
technician. Included are descriptions of career opportunities, job classifications, and the various
automotive education programs that are available in Canada. Automotive Service Technician
Interprovincial Standards and ASE certification requirements are also provided.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Describe the reasons why today’s automotive industry is considered a global industry.
Explain how computer technology has changed the way vehicles are built and serviced.
Explain why the need for qualified automotive technicians is increasing.
Describe the major types of businesses that employ automotive technicians.
List some of the many job opportunities available to people with a background in automotive
technology.
Describe the different ways a student can gain work experience while attending classes.
Describe the requirements for Red Seal certification of automotive technicians.
INSTRUCTIONAL OUTLINE WITH TEACHING HINTS
I. Servicing Today’s Vehicles
A. The Importance of Automotive Technicians
B. The Need for Quality Service
C. The Need for Ongoing Service
1. Warranties
2. Increased Vehicle Age
Hint: Discuss the need for repairs as cars become older and what opportunities this
need presents to a qualified technician.
D. Career Opportunities
1. Dealerships
2. Independent Service Shops
3. Franchise Repair Shop
4. Store-Associated Shops
5. Fleet Service and Maintenance
Hint: Discuss career opportunities in all areas of automotive service.
II. Job Classifications
A. Service Technician
1‐1
, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 4Ce
B. Shop Foreman
C. Service Adviser
D. Service Manager
E. Service Director
F. Parts Counterperson
G. Parts Manager
Hint: Discuss the various automotive shop positions and how they each relate to the
technicians.
III. Related Career Opportunities
A. Parts Distribution
B. Marketing and Sales
C. Other Opportunities
IV. Training for a Career in Automotive Service
A. Student Work Experience
1. Job Shadowing Program
2. Mentoring Program
3. Cooperative Education
4. Part-Time Employment
B. Canada’s Automotive Apprenticeship Program
C. The Need for Continuous Learning
V. ASE Certification
Hint: Introduce the various programs in your area that are available to students.
WHAT ARE COMMON STUDENT MISCONCEPTIONS AND
STUMBLING BLOCKS?
Without experience, students will struggle with understanding how an automotive shop functions.
Possibly have a shop owner visit the class or arrange to take the students to observe a shop during
operating hours.
To help students understand a shop’s different job classifications, place various students as the shop
foreman or service writer and have them arrange the “workload” for the day’s shop activities.
Have the students refer to the job classification section of the chapter as a reference for these
assignments. Refer to pages 8-12 of Chapter 1 for reference.
SHOP ACTIVITIES AND CASE STUDIES
Here are some activities you can review in-class as a group, or ask students to complete individually or in
pairs:
1. Research a vehicle of your choice. Visit the manufacturer or dealership website. Make a list of all
of the systems in that vehicle that are controlled by electronics. If you are unsure of system, include
its name on the list and talk to your instructor about it.
1‐2
