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| Luis Nunez, a graduate of Macon Early College, performs a wiring repair with guidance from David Myers, who oversees SCC's Automotive Systems Technology program. |
The Automotive Systems Technology (AST) program at Franklin High School, which is fully accredited by the National Automotive Technologies Education Foundation (NATEF), is gearing up to celebrate its 12th year of partnership with Southwestern Community College.
Franklin High School hosts a state-of-the-art, full automotive shop. Rising juniors and seniors are able to gain practical experience while earning dual-enrollment credits that count toward both their high school diploma and the AST degree program at SCC. FHS students can finish almost half of the AST degree program if they complete all dual-enrollment courses. If students decide not to continue into the AST degree program at SCC, they will still earn a Certificate in Automotive Systems Technology.
Leading the program at FHS is Cody Potts, who graduated from the AST degree program at SCC. Potts started as a lab assistant while in the program before accepting an adjunct teaching position at Swain County High School, where he taught “Intro to Automotive” and “Steering and Suspension.” Following that experience, he worked with Highlands Automotive before joining the AST program at FHS last year.
The automotive programs at both FHS and SCC focus on preparing students for employment as entry-level transportation service technicians. Coursework students complete while in the program includes but is not limited to: transportation systems theory, braking systems, climate control, engine performance, drive trains, electrical systems and more. This program also prepares graduates to take a professional licensure exam so they are prepared for jobs as entry-level technicians.
FHS and SCC graduates are actively working in regional dealerships and parts/repair shops, such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and Meineke.
“There is great money and high demand for this field,” said David Myers, Automotive Systems Technology Program Coordinator and Instructor for SCC. “I am regularly placing students all the time. You can always find a job with skilled labor.”
SCC also coordinates with Smoky Mountain High School and Swain County High School to offer dual-enrollment courses that count toward the AST degree program.
For more information, contact Myers (828.339.4237 or d_myers@southwesterncc.edu) or Potts (828.524.6467 or c_potts@southwesterncc.edu).
