Transportation

Automotive I

In this course, students explore, handle, and perform basic functions in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. Students who successfully complete the Automotive Technology program may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination. The ASE Student Certification is the first step in building a career as a service professional in the automotive industry.

Automotive II

In this course, students build upon their basic knowledge of automotive technology, exploring more advanced tasks in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. They also learn about electrical, electronic, and HVAC systems in automobiles. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination.

Collision Repair Technology I

In the global automobile collision repair industry, there is a growing demand for qualified collision repair technicians. In this course, students will learn damage analysis, estimating, customer service, non-structural analysis, damage repair, and welding. Students will work with a variety of materials, using metal finishing and body filling techniques to prepare surfaces and repair panels. Students who successfully complete this program sequence may be eligible to take an industry recognized certification exam.

Collision Repair Technology II

In the automobile collision repair industry, there is a growing demand for qualified collision repair technicians. In this course, students will learn painting and refinishing techniques that include surface preparation; spray gun operation; paint mixing, matching, and applying; and final vehicle detailing. Students who successfully complete this program sequence may be eligible to take an industry-recognized certification exam.

Motorsports Technology I

Motorsports Technology I provides a foundation in the principles of race car fabrication and all facets of the racing industry. Technical aspects of the course include skill development in vehicle assembly using specialty tools and welding. Students explore the motorsports technology industry and identify careers in the field.

Motorsports Technology II

Motorsports Technology II further develops students' skills in race car fabrication as they explore the motorsports technology industry. Students gain experience in chassis preparation, vehicle assembly, and engine assembly and disassembly. Additional focus areas include protocols and regulatory compliance in the motorsports field. 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Unmanned Aircraft Systems prepares students to pilot drones under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 guidelines for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).  Students get an overview of the national airspace system, FAA regulations, and the design and operation of small drones. Students monitor weather, address loading and performance of drones, and coordinate flight operation logistics. They perform administrative tasks, train, and pilot sUAS

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced

In Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced, students learn the applications of small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) such as photography, videography and analysis of data collected through sensors and cameras. Students receive hands-on instruction in piloting a sUAS while learning about various sensors, flight operations, regulations, and commercial flight planning

All courses include contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Notes

Legislation enacted in the 2011 Virginia General Assembly (HB 1493) and amended in 2012 (HB 1108) requires where there is a national industry certification for career and technical education instructional personnel or programs for automotive technology, the Board of Education must make such certification mandatory. The provisions of this act shall become effective July 1, 2013.

To comply with the requirements, all career and technical education (CTE) automotive technology programs must be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accredited and the instructors must be certified by the National Institute for ASE.

As of November 2024, RTC is the process of being accredited by ASE.

Teacher: Craig Harris

Class: Teacher Collision Repair Technology/Motorsports Grades 10-12

Years of Experience: 7

Mr. Harris has been teaching Collision Repair Technology and Motorsports at Richmond Technical Center since 2018. With a passion for Automotive Vehicles, he strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.

He received his Certifications in the Automotive field from Manufacturer Training. General Motors, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Chief Frame Equipment, and I-CAR. Mr. Harris believes in the importance of education and technical education for everyone.

Mr. Harris is dedicated to preparing students for their future careers. He integrates real-world skills into the curriculum, focusing on specific skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. He also emphasizes the importance of career exploration, internships, technical education or connections with local businesses/organizations to help students understand various career paths.

Teacher: Gilbert A. Allen Jr.

Class: Automotive Technology Instructor

Years of Experience: 5

Mr. Allen has been teaching night school classes at Richmond Technical Center for 3 years and recently transitioned to the day school program. Native of Virginia and North Carolina his passion for mechanical things started at an early age. He attended J. Sargent Reynolds Community College where he studied Diesel technology while working at a local shop doing automotive repair. He is ASE certified on steering and suspension  Mr. Allen is dedicated to giving students a real world education in the automotive industry as well as needed life skills to be successful in this industry and hopefully become better than they were before and dedicated career professionals.

Teacher: Ann-Frances Lambert

Class: Unmanned Aircraft I and Advanced Unmanned Aircraft

Years of Experience: 7

This is Ms. Lambert’s first year teaching Unmanned Aircraft I at RTC. With a passion for drones, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.

She received her Part 107 Certificate in December of 2017 and has established her business DroneScape Films, LLC while living in California, before moving back to her hometown of Richmond, VA in 2019. In addition to teaching Ms. Lambert also served as the 3rd District Richmond City Council representative by being elected in Jan. 2020 to her term ending this coming Dec. 2024.  Ms. Lambert is the First African-American Certified Drone Female Pilot with a Business in the City of Richmond to serve on City Council. 

Ms. Lambert is dedicated to preparing students for careers within the Unmanned Aircraft industry.  She can integrate real-world skills into the curriculum, focusing on FAA safety guidelines and entrepreneurship opportunities. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the realities of working in aviation to help students understand various career paths.