Western Technical College (Mechanic School Review)

Western Technical College has proudly served the El Paso community Since 1970. Here you’ll be surrounded by others who share your interests and find a supportive team of teachers who are fully committed to your success.

Now, you may take your passion and make it the basis of a fulfilling job. The purpose of Western Technical College is to deliver high-quality instruction and training in a supportive, professional atmosphere.

Earn your Associate of Occupational Studies degree in automotive technology at Western Technical College. Do it in just 15 months taking daytime-only classes – or 23 months attending evening classes. Your training will be approximately 50 percent classroom training and 50 percent hands-on training in the shop.

If automotive technology isn’t your thing, make sure to check out Western Tech’s diesel mechanic program. Watch the videos below to learn more:

The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and is also an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master-Certified program. You’ll receive training in all eight areas of the ASE standards:

• Engine performance
• Manual transmissions and axles
• Electricity and electronics
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering
• Automatic transmissions and transaxles
• Heating and air conditioning
• Engine repair and rebuilding

You will also get your own complete toolset to use in school (and it’s yours to keep after you graduate!).

Western Tech also participates in BMW, Jaguar, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Volkswagen manufacturer training programs and Western Technical College is a test-site facility for the ASE examination. And if all that wasn’t enough, you will have the opportunity to do an externship in the automotive industry to gain real-world experience while you earn college credit.

Automotive Technology Curriculum

• Introduction to Automotive Electrical Systems
• Fuel Systems and Emission Controls
• Automotive Engine Fundamentals
• Power Train
• Basic Electronics
• Engine Rebuilding and Repair
• Engine Diagnostics
• Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
• Steering and Suspensions
• Automatic and Manual Transmissions
• Electronic Fuel Injection
• Hybrid Vehicles
• Autoshop Service, Preventive Maintenance & Management
• Externship Program

Learn the skills necessary to maintain diesel engines and transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses, boats, and locomotives; construction equipment such as bulldozers, earth movers, and cranes; farm equipment such as tractors and irrigation pumps. If diesel technology isn’t your thing, make sure to check out Western Tech’s automotive mechanic program.

Watch the videos below to learn more about Western Technical College’s diesel mechanic program:

In addition to vehicle engine training, you will get hands-on with drive trains, brakes, electrical, hydraulics, and other related areas of trucks and construction equipment. Learn how to inspect and test components to determine why they are not operating properly, determine the cause of the trouble, repair or replace the defective parts and make any necessary adjustments.

You will also get trained in required related courses such as welding, machine shop, and general studies. All courses in the program will lead you through applied, general, and specialized training experiences that provide a broad and well-rounded education.

Diesel Mechanic Program Curriculum

First Semester:

• Diesel Brake Systems
• Diesel Suspension and Steering
• Diesel Power Trains 1
• Diesel Power Trains 2
• Welding-Transportation
• Diesel Safety and Industry Practices
• Diesel Online Service Utilization

Second Semester:

• Diesel Truck Heavy Equipment HVAC
• Diesel Electricity 1
• Diesel Preventive Maintenance
• Diesel Electricity 2
• Applied Math 1 – Industrial
• Applied Math 2 – Transportation

Third Semester:

• Diesel Engines-Advanced
• Diesel Engines-Basic
• Diesel Engine – Rebuilding
• Job Skills Strategies
• Applied Communication Skills 1
• Welding – Heavy Equipment Fabrication

Fourth Semester:

• Diesel Heavy Equipment Trade Simulation 1
• Diesel Heavy Equipment Trade Simulation 2
• Diesel Occupational Regulations
• Diesel Basic Hydraulics
• Diesel Heavy Equipment Familiarization
• Diesel Heavy Equipment Preventive Maintenance

Attention! This article is for informational purposes ONLY and is NOT a replacement for professional advice in any way! It is possible that schools updated their information, and you should ALWAYS contact them before making a decision. Course listings are subject to change.