Automotive Technology

The level of training provided in this program is well-respected by area employers.

Graduates are prepared for employment as technicians, service writers, and parts managers at dealerships and independent repair shops.

IS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you enjoy cars and trucks, high-tech equipment, and hands-on work, this could be the field for you.

Students are responsible for

• Purchasing required tools
• Meeting personal protective equipment requirements of Greenville Technical College
• Meeting sponsor’s employment requirements including valid driver’s license and drug testing where required

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM

Students learn to identify, analyze and solve problems. General theory and basic information includes

• Engine fundamentals
• Automotive electricity
• Manual drive train/axle
• Brakes
• Engine reconditioning
• Ignition systems
• Fuel systems
• Suspension & steering
• Automatic transmission
• Automotive air conditioning

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Graduates are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test to gain certification as an Automotive Service Excellence Technician.

Beyond general automotive training, Greenville Technical College also offers the only GM ASEP training in South Carolina.

If your career goal is to become a GM certified automotive technician, then the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP) is the program for you. Through Greenville Technical College's unique cooperation with General Motors, ASEP trains highly-specialized service technicians for GM dealers.

Hands-on experience is emphasized:

• GM ASEP students alternate between working at a local dealership and going to college in five- to seven-week intervals.
• GM ASEP students receive an hourly wage and are assigned to an experienced technician who guides and supervises training.

GM ASEP Program Details »

The only Honda and Acura training program in South Carolina, this specialization trains students in the testing, diagnosis, and servicing of Honda and Acura motor vehicles and prepares graduates for employment in a Honda or Acura dealership or repair facility.

More about the Honda/Acura PACT program »

BMW Scholars

The BMW Scholars Program allows students to attend class full-time while working part-time at BMW in order to further their education, gain the necessary hands-on experience, and become viable candidates for full-time positions at BMW. During this process, BMW will offer tuition assistance toward obtaining a two-year associate degree.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence/National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (ASE/NATEF) certification ensures that training meets or exceeds industry standards.

MORE LINKS

• Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES)
• South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (SCADA)
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
• General Motors

Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Automotive Technology 
Associate in Applied Science

This program trains students in the testing, diagnosis, and servicing of motor vehicles, preparing them to become proficient, entry-level automotive technicians. The Automotive Technology program is certified by The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Automotive program details from our current catalog »

Students can choose one of these specializations within the degree:

• General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM-ASEP) 
  This program trains students in the testing, diagnosis, and servicing of General Motors motor vehicles, preparing them for employment as entry-level automotive technicians at General Motors dealerships or AC Delco shops.

GM-ASEP program details from our current catalog »

• Honda/Acura Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT)
  As the only Honda and Acura training program in South Carolina, this specialization trains students in the testing, diagnosis, and servicing of Honda and Acura motor vehicles and prepares graduates for employment in a Honda or Acura dealership or repair facility. 
  • Students must complete a cooperative work experience (co-op) course each semester with a Honda or Acura dealership. 

Honda/Acura program details from our current catalog »

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
Certificate in Applied Science

This program trains entry-level technicians for the after-sale, routine maintenance sector of the automotive service industry.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair details from our current catalog »

Click the program below to view the ideal grouping of courses in order by semester. This plan assumes a full-time schedule. Note, however, that many variables can affect this plan, and not every course is offered every semester. Please see your advisor to map out your own personalized progression toward graduation.

Automotive Technology 
Associate in Applied Science

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
Certificate in Applied Science

Department Head
Trent Hulehan | 864-236-6405 | Trent.Hulehan@gvltec.edu

Program Coordinator/ASTP
Josh Simons | 864-250-8451 | Joshua.Simons@gvltec.edu 

Program Coordinator/GM ASEP
Jeremy Thompson | 864-250-8134 | Jeremy.Thompson@gvltec.edu 

Program Coordinator/Honda PACT
Jeff Saunders | 864-250-8866 | Jeff.Saunders@gvltec.edu

Administrative Assistant
Deborah Soto | 864-250-8428 | Deborah.Soto@gvltec.edu

Automotive Instructors