Students must be at least 18 years old before the start date of the course. Students must be registered for this course by June 15, 2024. If the class does not have 5 students registered by June 15, 2024, the class will not run. 

We invite and encourage women, gender expansive individuals, and those from historically underrepresented identities to apply for this class. We are committed to an inclusive environment that is welcoming and supportive of all individuals and celebrates diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Students must be able to lift 30 pounds. 

Course Overview:

In this course, students will learn and demonstrate the basic skills needed to succeed in an entry level position in the automotive field. We will explore the use of shop equipment, the skills of performing a tire mount and balance, performing a proper tire repair, vehicle service and inspection using a multipoint inspection sheet. This class will have a high priority focusing on safety and environmental concerns.

Prerequisites:

Upon registration, payment and not before June 1, 2024, students will be given login credentials for S/P2 (a shop safety program) which must be completed successfully prior to class start date. No exceptions! Nobody will be able to operate shop equipment without the certificates from S/P2.

Homework:

Students will be expected to take the TIA 200 (Tire Industry Association) online course due 12:00pm on 7/15. It is a 2-part process for certification, the homework will cover the learning aspect of tire construction, identification, precautions and repairs. Students will need to demonstrate competency in the following areas listed later on in the syllabus. A computer and internet access will be needed.

Expectations:

This is an adult education class and students will be expected to act as such. Any horseplay or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated and, at the instructor’s discretion, can result in the removal from this course. 

In addition, we have a zero tolerance policy for harassment or biased attitudes based on race, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or other protected classes.

Students will be given a certificate of completion when they have demonstrated they can competently and safely complete the required skills.

Attire:

Leather work boots or work shoes with non-slip soles required, pants and t-shirt required at a minimum.

Safety glasses will be provided and students will be required to wear them properly during all lab activities.

Nitrile (rubber) gloves will be provided and will need to be worn when handling hazardous chemicals (including oil).

Certifications:

TIA200 - Tire Industry Association certificate

S/P2 – Safety and Pollution certification

Lifting it Right – Vehicle lift operation and safety.

To be approved for the TIA200 Certificate, the student must have demonstrated the following skills:

Identify tire sidewall markings including size, service description, and TIN

Locate and explain the purpose of the vehicle placard

Spot and lift a vehicle using the proper lift points on a drive over, or two-post above ground lift

Lift and secure a vehicle using a floor jack, safety stand, and wheel chocks

Remove a wheel cover or hub-cap

Remove foreign debris from all mating surfaces

Inspect all components

Demount and mount a tire equipped with a TPMS sensor

Inflate a tire to the correct inflation pressure for the vehicle

Balance a tire/wheel assembly

Repair a tire using a one-piece or two-piece repair unit

Snug all lug nuts in a star pattern

Torque all lug nuts to manufacturer specification

Additional skills required for program completion certificate:

Proper use of work orders, and other documentation, including multipoint inspection sheet

Demonstrate workplace safety

Properly prepare vehicle for service

Identify all fluids, their locations, and their purpose

Explain engine oil types, weights

Explain what API means

Explain the differences between brake fluid types

Explain the differences between Coolant types

Explain why it is necessary to select the correct fluids and where to locate that information

Identify location of engine oil drain plug, filter, dipstick, and filler cap

Properly check oil level and condition

Check transmission fluid level

Check differential level and top off if necessary

Check brake fluid level

Perform a proper brake inspection

Demonstrate proper suspension components inspection

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Many of our students qualify for the VSAC Advancement Grant to provide funding for this course. Reaching out to VSAC's Educational Opportunity Counselor, Harka Khadka at khadka@vsac.org will help you get started.