The goal of the Automotive Heavy Duty Vehicle Maintenance Technology (HDVM) program is to train and instruct students and develop marketable skills in their chosen occupational field. Using the most up-to-date equipment available and in a safe and efficient manner, the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center will follow a planned course outline and track a student’s progress and completion by using unit tests and job sheets. Heavy duty truck technicians along with Automotive technicians diagnose, troubleshoot and repair small car up to large truck malfunctions to minimize time removed from service. Preventive maintenance is a major responsibility of the entry-level mechanic. The mechanic inspects the vehicle visually to determine the need for repairs and provides routine tests and maintenance. The Automotive/Heavy Duty Truck Technician must have a thorough knowledge of car and truck components and be competent in safety, inspections, tune-ups and troubleshooting.

The Automotive/HDVM Technology Program is a clustered program where students move throughout the Automotive/HDVM areas repairing all types of vehicles including passenger cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, and two and four wheel drive vehicles. The length of this program consist of three to four years of 180 half days for secondary students from 9th to 12th grade totaling at least 1,350 hours and a post secondary time of one year, 180 full days totaling 900 hours.

If your mechanical interest lies in diesel-powered or gasoline engines, the GACTC’s Automotive/Heavy Duty Vehicle Technology Program offers and provides high-level wages and choice from a range of job opportunities. Using critical thinking skills, you will not only explore basic Automotive and Diesel technology, but also understand its application in the operation and maintenance of most vehicles. Led by a skilled professional, you will study electricity, electronics, power trains, suspension and steering, brakes, diesel engines, preventive maintenance and heavy equipment systems, all within the framework of Automotive Service Excellence certification standards.

Occupational Profile: For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state and national wages, and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field at:      http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/49-3023.01