Program Overview
Our Associate in Science in Advanced Automotive Technology with Fabrication and Refinishing (AAFR) degree provides an in-depth study and application of the most advanced trends in the automotive field. Students will gain direct hands-on practice in sheet metal fabrication, auto fabrication, auto body repair, fiberglass fabrication and repair, welding, brazing, and cutting, and paint refinishing techniques.
Along with the theory of operation, design, and servicing techniques of current automobile systems, the Fabrication and Refinishing (AFFR) degree program offers two additional terms of study in the fabrication and refinishing of structural surfaces.
NEIT uses the latest industry standards, up-to-date diagnostic tools, and an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) approved curriculum in its training program. Our comprehensive, practical intensive program prepares students for entry-to-industry-level technical capability and skills needed for rapid advancement in automotive servicing, auto body fabrication, and collision repair industries.
Read MoreFull Description
The Automotive Technology department offers five automotive associate degree programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Advanced Automotive Technology
- Automotive Technology with High Performance
- Advanced Automotive Technology with High Performance
- Advanced Automotive Technology with Fabrication and Refinishing
While all programs cover the same topics, the Advanced Automotive Technology Fabrication and Refinishing degree includes a more in-depth study of metal fabrication, collision repair, welding, and auto body repair services.
In this program, students will learn the design, theory of operation, and servicing techniques of the systems and system components of the latest cars and automobiles in the first six terms.
Students will receive training in engine construction and design training, engine repair, electricity, electronics, suspension, steering, brakes, transmissions, heating and air conditioning systems, fuel systems, ignition systems, and emission controls.
Graduate students will spend two additional terms of study at the automotive fabrication school. They will learn fabrication, repair and refinishing, use of power tools specific to vehicles and automobiles, sheet metal fabrication, painting, and advanced refinishing.
Our auto metal fabrication school provides training in metal joining and welding techniques such as electric arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, and shielded metal arc welding. Students will also learn spray painting equipment handling, operation, and care.
The department instructors train students on masking techniques, surface preparation, preparing sprayable materials, preparation and application of different consistencies of paints and primers.
New England Institute of Technology participates in the Ford Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) program, including Ford Service Technician Specialty Training (STST) in the following areas: Electrical Systems, Climate Control, Brake Systems, Steering and Suspension, Tire, Chassis & Maintenance. Upon graduation, students will have completed the requirements for the Ford MLR certification.
NEIT also participates in the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) LOCAL curriculum, designed and developed by Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) Performance Institute for colleges. The curriculum includes a variety of web-based self-study and instructor-led courses and covers two levels:
Level 0: It provides the basic training, including the technician’s role in the dealership, new vehicle prep, FCA online systems, and the use of diagnostic scan tools.
Level 1: It includes complex training classes such as engine repair and performance, automatic transmissions, driveline, chassis systems, and electrical and body systems. Upon completion, students can work on various vehicles in Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram dealerships.
Students will also take a course in OSHA safety standards, enabling them to complete the OSHA-10 certification.
Graduates of the AAFR program are ready to enter a broader range of technician positions in the automotive service, collision repair, and auto body field. Our curriculum provides a strong foundation for students to apply for ASE certificates to enhance their career prospects.
After completing their training, students are eligible to continue for a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an Automotive Service/Transportation Management (MGTT) concentration and make a career in management.
NEIT participates in several federal and state financial aid programs that can help lower tuition costs for students.
New England Institute of Technology participates in the Ford Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR). NEIT also engages in the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) LOCAL curriculum, designed and developed by Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) Performance Institute. NEIT’s Automotive Technology program is Master Certified by the National Automotive Technician’s Education Foundation (NATEF).
Potential Career Opportunities
Potential employers include independent garages and dealerships, mass merchandisers, service stations, specialty shops, automotive parts stores, and car rental agencies.
Jobs can range from an entry-level technician to owner/operator or manager. Students will work in diverse areas such as sheet metal fabrication and repair, vehicle maintenance, collision repair, auto parts welding, paints and refinishing equipment shop, auto painting, and modifications.
Our Fabrication and Refinishing (AFFR) program graduates will have career opportunities including:
Automotive Service Technician
Collision Repair Technician
Generation Technician
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Light Wheel Mechanic
Shop Foreman
Quality Control Inspector
Operation Supervisor
Parts Manager
Trailer Mechanic
FAQs
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What is auto fabrication?
Auto fabrication is the process of building auto parts, structures, and exterior modifications. The process uses cutting, bending, machining, welding, and grinding to create finished auto products from scratch.
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What does a car fabricator do?
A car fabricator works in cutting, grinding, welding, and assembling auto parts and structures. Fabricators may also work in pure metal fabrication processes such as forging, smithing, and rolling.
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What are the types of metal fabrication?
Fabrication methods fall into the following categories:
- Metal Forming: Forging, Rolling, Drawing, Extrusion
- Sheet Metal Operations: Cutting, Punching, Shearing, Perforating, Notching, etc.
- Machining: Turning, Milling, Shaping, CNC, etc.
- Casting: Die Casting, Investment Casting, etc.
- Metal Joining: Welding, Brazing, Soldering, etc.
We select a fabrication method depending on the part geometry, strength requirements, type of materials, and the intended application.
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What is fabrication work?
Fabrication refers to the process of building metallic and non-metallic parts, structures, and machines from raw materials. It involves creating metal, wood, and plastic parts using casting, molding, cutting, forging, turning, milling, etc.