Automotive

Bellevue High School offers career-focused automotive programs open to all students through the WANIC network, designed to prepare students for jobs in the automotive industry. Whether students are interested in becoming technicians, service writers, engineers, or shop managers, these hands-on courses provide the skills and certifications needed to get started. Automotive Technology 1 gives students real shop experience and the opportunity to earn up to four nationally recognized ASE certifications—an important step toward employment in the field. Automotive Technology 2 builds on those skills with advanced training, job shadowing at local shops and dealerships, leadership opportunities, and the chance to earn up to 15 college credits. For those just starting out, Beginning Automotive and Maintenance teaches essential car care and basic repair skills, providing a strong foundation for any automotive career path. These programs offer a direct pipeline to high-demand jobs, and financial assistance is available for students who qualify.

Courses in this Pathway

Automotive Technology 1

Location: Bellevue High School (Open to all schools)

This course is part of Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), a seven-district partnership whose primary mission is to provide quality, diverse, and cost-effective career and technical education for all students through interdistrict cooperation. WANIC courses are challenging, relevant, specialized programs that meet for 3 periods per day all year. BSD students do not need to fill out a WANIC application for courses held at Bellevue schools. Learn more about all the opportunities available through WANIC at their website.  

This STEM course provides the foundation for entry into the automotive industry as a technician, service writer/manager, or future automotive engineers and designers. By the end of their first year, students will complete 4 of the 8 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) components and will take the ASE certification test. ASE certification is nationally recognized as a reliable measure of automotive expertise and is of high value for future employment in this field. The classroom and auto shop facilities at Bellevue are state-of-the-art to provide students with an authentic learning environment. Students will work on customer, shop owned and student scheduled vehicles. Leadership opportunities will be available through the Skills USA Auto Club. Students who successfully complete Year 1 may be eligible to apply for Year 2.

Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.

Automotive Technology 2

Location: Bellevue High School (Open to all schools)

At this advanced level of STEM training, students will focus on the intricacies of automotive professionalism. Successful completion of this class requires a high level of maturity, self-motivation, and a desire to succeed. This course has a strong STEM correlation with math, science and physics along with dexterity building and meter usage. Students can earn up to 15 college credits through Pacific NW College Credit and Lab Science Equivalency credits at Bellevue High School. Leadership opportunities are provided through Skills USA Auto Club and job shadowing at local shops/dealerships. Topics studied revolve around the 8 nationally recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) content areas. Students will study 4 ASE topics each year. Students will also take the ASE Certification test at the beginning and end of the course to show growth. Students will work on customer, shop owned and student scheduled vehicles. Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.

Beginning Automotive and Maintenance

Location: Bellevue High School

This course simplifies the complexities of the automobile into key entry-level units. Learning through written and hands-on assignments, students will explore basic maintenance and diagnostic procedures that everyone who drives a vehicle should know. The curriculum also covers working safely in a shop environment as well as rebuilding and running a small gas engine. This class provides the perfect foundation for drivers, hobbyists and those looking for a basic working level knowledge of automobile repairs.

Post-Secondary

Clover Park Technical College: This program immerses students in hands-on learning with the latest technology, preparing them for careers as automotive technicians. The facility includes state-of-the-art paint rooms, computer labs, and shop areas.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): LWTech's Auto Repair Technician program equips students with professional skills, offering a pathway to various career options in the automotive repair industry.
Western Washington University: Offers programs in Automotive Engineering, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for advanced positions in the automotive industry.
Washington State University (WSU): Through a partnership with Olympic College, WSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the Bremerton campus, focusing on mechanical systems and design.

Careers in this Pathway

Hands-On/Technical Careers

Automotive Technician (Mechanic) – Diagnose and repair vehicles.
Service Technician – Work in dealerships or repair shops maintaining and fixing cars.
Diesel Technician – Specialize in larger engines used in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Collision Repair Technician – Fix and restore vehicles after accidents.
Tire and Lube Technician – Entry-level role focused on basic maintenance and repairs.

Customer Service & Management

Service Writer/Advisor – Communicate between customers and technicians, explain needed repairs.
Parts Specialist – Order and manage parts inventory for repair shops.
Shop Foreman – Oversee technicians and workflow in a repair facility.
Service Manager – Run the operations of a service department.

Engineering & Design

Automotive Engineer – Design vehicle systems and test performance.
Mechanical Engineer – Work on engine and drivetrain development.
Design Engineer – Focus on vehicle aesthetics, ergonomics, and user experience.