West Kentucky CTC

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Under the Hood

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Shop Talk

4810 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah, KY 42001

https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/automotive-technology.aspx

Go beyond car repair with this comprehensive program. You’ll gain the technical expertise necessary to diagnose, repair and maintain today’s high-tech automotive systems.

Start Your Application

Feel free to contact us on the form below if you have any questions. If you would like to apply, please use the Start Your Application button above.

Go beyond car repair with this comprehensive program. You’ll gain the technical expertise necessary to diagnose, repair and maintain today’s high-tech automotive systems.

View of the shop with Garage Gurus doing some aftermarket training.

Skilled Craft Automotive and Trades Building

Tire machines and student assigned tool box

Provide a quick overview of the program (i.e., time to complete, credits, type of degree, etc.).

This is a two-year program and is focused on automotive repair courses on all makes and models. The total credits are 72 and will result in achieving an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
Is this a full or part time program?

Full time
Describe how classes are conducted (i.e, in-person, online, in the shop, etc.).

Classes are in-person with some online content.
What does the program cost?

Program cost without tools would be approximately $ 15,000.00
What types of financial assistance or scholarships are available?

Financial aid is the most common. However, scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Describe the application process and eligibility.

The student must apply for admission at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Use the following link to apply: https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu
What types of work-based learning opportunities do you offer?

The program does have cooperative education opportunities available.
Describe your annual placements (i.e., number of students, percent who find a job in the industry, etc.).

Over the past 10 years, placement rates average 90%.
What types of salaries can students expect after graduating and as they advance in their career?

Salary can vary, but most graduates will average $30,000 to $40,000 per year within 1-2 years of graduation. Many graduates can achieve a higher yearly salary with additional training and it is possible to make over $ 60,000 a year or higher.
Is there anything unique about your program that you’d like to mention?

The shop has eight 2 post lifts and tools are supplied to you while in the program.

What general and specialty tools does the school provide?

The lab is equipped with tire machines, scan tools, oscilloscopes, specialty tools such as fluke 88 meters, and 16 training units.
What tools, if any, is a student responsible for providing?

Hand tools are provided by the school. Students will be assigned a toolbox while in the program.
When in the lab, how much one-on-one time does an instructor get with each student?

The class size is limited to 16 students. One-on-one time is available during every lab.
What is the split between time spent in the classroom versus hands-on learning?

Some classes are 50% lecture and 50% lab. Others are 30% lecture and 70% lab.
What does the school do to ensure students stay safe while in the lab?

All students take a safety awareness lab and were appropriate footwear and safety classes.
What types of processes does the lab have to ensure a clean working environment?

The lab is cleaned regularly by the students.
Does the school have access to factory software? If so, please explain.

We have several Toyota vehicles and a Toyota Techstream scan tool. We also use Prodemand and Alldata online software.
What types of service and parts software are available for the students to access?

Alldata and Prodemand online software
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the lab environment?

The lab is very spacious and allows for 20 vehicles to be in the lab at one time.

Fall classes begin August 15, 2022

GENERAL EDUCATION Mathematics 3 Science 3 Social Interaction 3 Heritage/Humanities 3 Writing/Accessing Information 3 Computer Literacy 0-3 TECHNICAL CORE ADX 120 Basic Automotive Electricity 3 ADX 121 Basic Automotive Electricity Lab 2 ADX 150 Engine Repair 3 ADX 151 Engine Repair Lab 2 ADX 170 Climate Control 3 ADX 171 Climate Control Lab 1 ADX 260 Electrical Systems 3 ADX 261 Electrical Systems Lab 2 AUT 110 Brake Systems 3 AUT 111 Brake Systems Lab 2 AUT 130 Manual Transmissions 3 AUT 131 Manual Transmissions Lab 2 AUT 140 Basic Fuel Ignition Systems 3 AUT 141 Basic Fuel Ignition Systems Lab 2 AUT 142 Emission Systems 3 AUT 143 Emission Systems Lab 2 AUT 160 Suspension Steering 3 AUT 161 Suspension Steering Lab 2 AUT 180 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 3 AUT 181 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Lab 2 AUT 240 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis 3 AUT 241 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis Lab 2 Total Credits 69-72

ROBERT GUNN Robert Gunn is an ASE Master Certified Technician and has over 30 years of experience.

3:01

Check out what Bob Gunn has to say about shop owners and managers in the area and what others can do to help their program and the next generation of technicians.

1:45

Lab and classroom video.

West Kentucky CTC