VITAL POLICY – Focus on Jefferson County CTE Education, Automotive Technology
With the average car having 50 to 100 on-board computers that monitor and control engine performance, transmission shifting, and management of anti-lock braking systems, it requires a symphony of electronic communication, driver commands, and mechanical processes to get drivers from point A to point B.
Likewise, it takes a concert of outstanding teachers, specialized training, industry support, and corporate sponsorship to train mechanics and automotive technicians for the modern transportation workforce.
The outstanding teachers that conduct this concert of automotive training at Jefferson County High School are Carl Crigger and Scott Noe, each with 25 and 13 years of teaching experience respectively. Both teachers have modern classrooms, up-to-date instructional materials and a 5-bay well-equipped work area with modern tools and equipment to provide students with quality instruction and hands-on experience.
The courses they teach fall under the heading of Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR).
MLR 1– Basic skills & Knowledge- i.e. Learning proper tool usage, oil changes, tire rotations, and basic vehicle maintenance.
MLR 2– Brakes, Steering & Suspension- Students learn to change brake shoes, pads, rotors, steering & suspension components and systems, how to change shocks/strut assemblies.
MLR 3– Electrical-Basics of electricity, series & parallel electric systems work, use of multimeters, Consulab trainers, basic troubleshooting techniques, building electrical circuits.
MLR 4– Engine Performance- Students gain in depth knowledge of engine performance and how to troubleshoot vehicle issues, explore operation of various vehicle sensors, troubleshooting problems, and engine diagnosis using Consulab Mod-U-Ponent trainer, Autel scantool, Pico labscope, DTC code scanner.
Job skills are reinforced by the Student Youth Organization (SYO) SkillsUSA, which provides development activities such as leadership skills and job readiness training, as well as the opportunity to compete in skills contests with other students on a local, regional, state, and national level. JCHS automotive students have advanced to the state level contests every year since 2016.
In the past 5 years, at least 3 students have advanced to nationals, more than any other high school in Tennessee.
Students can also earn full industry certifications in OSHA 10 Industrial Safety and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Numerous students have passed and acquired certification in all 10 ASE specialties.
“The G1-MLR is the only certification test the students are required to take, but all 10 ASE certifications are available to them if they wish to attempt them. Having passed just the MLR certification has earned several of our student’s job opportunities and monetary increases that they wouldn’t normally receive. Our students have placed 3rd twice at the Top Wrench competition held at Crown College in Powell in the engine start challenge and one 3rd place winner in the valve cover race competition in the last couple of years.” – said Scott Noe, Automotive Technology Instructor
Industry specific training is employed within the automotive courses at JCHS, which include:
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Snap-On/Starrett Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI)– The students work their way through 6 modules learning how to use such tools as the Micrometer, Dial indicators, Cylinder Bore gauges & several others. This is recognized by the state and allows the students to graduate with distinction during the graduation ceremony.
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Cat/Mitsubishi Forklift Certification– This 2-yr certification shows industry partners that the students who have earned this are qualified to safely drive/operate most any Cat/Mitsubishi forklift in a work environment. This can be renewed after 2 yrs.
A wide range of industry partners support the training program and employ JCHS automotive graduates, Rusty Wallace Ford – Ford Technician School, Rusty Wallace GMC Kia, Tarr Chevrolet Automotive Shop – GM Technician School, Tarr Chevrolet Body Shop, Tarr Hyundai, Jefferson Coop Tire Shop, NSane Hot Rodz, Precision Rod & Customs, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, JLG Assembly, MAHLE Inc., Dalton Collission, Elite Automotive, and Lakeway Auto.
The Jefferson County High School Career and Technical Education Department is under the expert direction of Missy Hayes.
David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.
