Automotive Technician, Customization & Restoration
ACADEMIES & PROGRAMS
AUTOMOTIVE
ACADEMY
Automotive Pathways
Why Automotive?
The Automotive Academy prepares students for careers in modern vehicle repair and maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment while learning to inspect, diagnose, and repair cars and light trucks.
Through real shop training, students can earn industry certifications while building real mechanic shop habits such as safety, precision, documentation, and responsibility.
- 70,000+ automotive technician job openings each year
- 800,000+ mechanics currently employed in the U.S.
- 17% projected job growth through 2032
- High demand as vehicles become more advanced
- No 4-year college degree required for many careers
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.
For students interested in becoming diesel technicians, select students can gain hands-on training through the Empire Go Big Internship Program. They begin with classroom and lab instruction in safety, shop operations, and engine fundamentals, then work alongside Empire technicians performing maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment. Successful participants may earn employment opportunities or advance into the Think Big apprenticeship program.
Core Classes
Suggested below is a typical progression path for the ALA Applied Technologies Graduation Diploma. The progression shown is only a suggestion and could vary depending on the academic level and credit achievement of a student.
| Grade | English | Math | History/Social Studies | Science | Elective | Elective | Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | English I | Algebra 1 | World History | Biology | Fitness & Nutrition | Elective | Elective |
| 10th | English II | Geometry | American/Arizona History | Chemistry | Financial Literacy/Entrepreneurship | CTE | CTE |
| 11th | English III | Algebra 2 | Economics | Physics (lab sciences) | Elective | CTE | CTE |
| 12th | English IV | College Math | Civics/Government | Upper Level Science Course | Elective | CTE | CTE |
Our Facilities
Our students train in a fully equipped, 10,000-square-foot automotive shop designed to mirror a real-world professional environment. With advanced tools and modern equipment, students gain real world experience using the same technology found in today’s industry.
Our facilities feature:
- 10,000 sq. ft. shop with 2 bay doors
- 6 lifts total (4×10K lb, 2×12K lb)
- Hunter alignment system
- Sonic toolboxes and Carlyle tools (NAPA partner)
- Diagnostic scanners and Robinair A/C system
We are proud to partner with NAPA Auto Parts and Carlyle Tools, providing students with access to industry-recognized equipment.
Renee Krafft
Senior
“The internship with Empire Cat has been really helpful to me and has helped me gain more knowledge of what I want to do in the future.”
Skyler Knechtel
Alumni
“If I was nervous about going to Applied Tech I’d say do it. I’ve learned a lot of valuable life skills to help me progress to the future.”
Cole Buck
Alumni
“My favorite thing I learned at Applied Tech was how easy it was to work on vehicles. I thought it was going to be super scary but it’s just bolts. It’s relatively easy.”
Schedule an Automotive Service
Our student-run automotive shop offers a range of services from routine maintenance to basic diagnostics. All work is completed by academy students with guidance from experienced instructors. Scheduling a service is easy and every appointment helps students gain real-world experience in a professional environment. Book your service today and support the next generation of skilled automotive technicians.