Published: Jan. 24, 2024. Click here to listen. Ted Linhart is a legend in the automobile sales world of central Virginia. He was president of Dominion Auto Group for many years and has tremendous knowledge of the industry. In this episode, we chat with Ted about how the automobile industry has evolved and what challenges it faces, especially when it comes to finding and training new auto techs. Virginia is ranked 11th in the nation for the demand for auto techs, so this is a crucial topic for anyone who wants to pursue this career path. Listen to Ted’s insights and advice on how to become a successful auto tech in today’s market.
Automotive Technology






Student shows off his ASE-certification patch.

Automotive student talks with a business partner at the HCPS Career Rodeo

Automotive student shadows a staff member at a business partner dealership

Automotive Technology I: Course No. 8506
Automotive Technology II: Course No. 8507
Two years, six high school and 14 college credits
Virginia course title: Automotive Technology I, Automotive Technology II.
Advanced Career Education centers at Hermitage, Highland Springs and Virginia Randolph
ACE Center at Hermitage instructors: Anthony Dejamette, Mark Shultz
ACE Center at Highland Springs instructor: Kieth Hedgespeth
ACE Center at Virginia Randolph instructor: Dakota Childress
Automotive technology courses are designed to provide preparation and training for entry to the many fields related to the automotive industry. The first year is spent learning and practicing general service, maintenance, light repair and upkeep of all aspects of the automobile, including brakes, engine repair and tuneups. The program emphasizes state-of-the-art technology.
The second-year course involves study and experience in engine repair, electrical systems and four-wheel alignment. The course also offers the instruction to develop a thorough understanding of the design, construction and operation of all automotive systems. This includes integral areas such as techniques for diagnostic testing devices to determine the cause of faulty operation or to properly adjust complex automotive devices and systems. With the approval and recommendation of the teacher, students may spend time in actual on-the-job work experiences during the second semester.
Students have the opportunity to become ASE-certified in many areas after passing each certification test:
Engine Repair
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Suspension and Steering
Automotive Service Technology
Brakes
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Heating and Air Conditioning
Engine Performance
Manual Drive Train and Axles
Maintenance and Light Repair
Workplace-Readiness
For questions please contact the pre-engineering and industrial careers, agricultural education and JROTC specialist.
Please see your counselor or instructor if you have questions. Click here for more information on this program.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics click here.



Published: Aug. 8, 2023. Click here to listen. In our latest episode, we are talking about everything automotive. We have ACE Center at Hermitage instructor Mark Schultz, automotive apprentice with Carter Myers Automotive and graduate of the ACE Center Automotive Technology program; Quin McCarthy; Cory Dahl, Carter Myers service manager, and Beth Lucchesi, talent acquisition specialist with Carter Myers. We talk about Quin’s journey from ACE Center student to his hiring by Carter Myers and to becoming a master automotive technician. It is a great story of hard work and great people helping him through his young life and preparing for his career.

Published: Dec. 6, 2022. Click here to listen. Dave and Ali Ogburn talk with us about their career paths to becoming engineers at Goodyear Tires. Both got experience in a motor sports program at UVa. while they studied to become engineers. They both worked for racing teams early on. Dave is a performance test driver at Goodyear and Ali is a senior engineer at Goodyear. They have a remarkable story about the years of experiences that led them to both work at Goodyear Tires at their facility in Texas. Don’t miss this episode.