Students start the semester focusing on learning shop policies and procedures, shop safety, EPA and OSHA compliance. Students then move on to learning basics about hand tools and are introduced to shop equipment such as safely using vehicle lifts. During their first year, students also learn basic metal cutting and welding operations, fundamentals of electricity, how to use precision measuring equipment, how to build and diagnose electrical circuits, proper repair techniques and automotive maintenance such as oil changes, replacing and repairing tires, transmission and brakes. At the end of the first year, students are qualified for entry-level technician jobs such as lube technician and working in tire stores. 

This advanced, third-year course is run much like a shop. Nearly all work is performed on live vehicles. Students are given a repair order with the customer's complaint and will then use their previously learned knowledge to diagnose, prepare an estimate, and repair a customer's vehicle.  This is a double block class and is very intensive.