Automotive Technology - EV/Hybrid

Brad Wheaton
Automotive Pathway Developer
303-387-7993 | bdwheaton@dcsdk12.org

Brad's passion for the automotive industry began in Colorado Springs, where he took every available CTE and Industrial Arts course grades 7-12. Growing up and working in the auto industry from a young age he is an ASE Master Auto Technician with 30+ years’ experience while also teaching at Doherty High School for 22 years and serving in various CTE leadership roles. His educational experience includes Skills USA Advisor, a Ford/AAA student and instructor, A D11 Crystal Apple winner, and a liaison for work-based learning and CTE staff training. As an instructor Brad and his student teams have many state and national automotive competition awards. Brad also helped develop a registered apprenticeship program for a large dealership group along Colorado's front range.

With a lifelong passion for mechanical work, Brad's hands-on experience includes machine shops, custom car builds, and race cars. He is also a Baja 1000 race crew member where the goal is to reach the finish line no matter what the circumstance. His extensive knowledge of both technical and practical applications continues to shape his approach to education, ensuring students receive real-world, industry-relevant skills.

Fall - Semester 1 

ACC - ASE 1001 AUTO SHOP ORIENTATION
69203 0.5 Practical Arts Credit/2.0 Credits - Arapahoe Community College
Prerequisite: None
Course fee: Approx. $15
Covers safety instruction in the shop and on the automobile. Emphasis on the proper use and care of test equipment, precision measuring and machining equipment, gaskets, adhesives, tubing, wiring, jacks, presses, and cleaning equipment and techniques.

-AND-

ACC - ASE 1003 AUTO MAINTENANCE I
69204 0.5 Practical Arts Credit/2.0 Credits - Arapahoe Community College
Prerequisite: None
Course fee: Approx. $15
Covers the basics of how various systems on the automobile operate, maintenance requirements, and financial concerns related to operating and maintaining an automobile.

Spring - Semester 2

ACC - ASE 1020 BASIC AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICITY
69208 0.5 Practical Arts Credit/2.0 Credits - Arapahoe Community College
Prerequisite: None
Course fee: Approx. $15
Introduces vehicle electricity, basic electrical theory, circuit designs, and wiring methods. This course focuses on multimeter usage and wiring diagrams. This course meets MLR/AST/MAST requirements.

-AND-

ACC - ASE 1050 MANUAL DRIVE TRAIN & AXLE MAINTENANCE
69215 0.5 Practical Arts Credit/2.0 Credits - Arapahoe Community College
Prerequisite: None
Course fee: Approx. $15
Covers the operating principles and repair procedures relating to axle-shafts, propeller shafts, and universal joints. This course meets MLR/AST/MAST requirements.

ACC - ASE 2050 AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE SERVICE COURSE
69206 0.5 Practical Arts Credit/1.0 Credits - Arapahoe Community College
Prerequisite: None
Course fee: Approx. $15
Focuses on practical methods of maintaining, servicing, and performing minor adjustments on an automatic transmission and transaxle. This course meets MLR/AST/MAST requirements.

Coming Fall 2027-Tentatively

ACC ASE 1010 - Automotive Brake Service
AND
ACC ASE 1040 - Suspension and Steering

Coming Spring 2028-Tentatively
ACC ASE 1023 - Starting & Charging Systems, Advanced Electrical Diagnostics
AND
ACC ASE 2064 - Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

AND

CTE Electrical Systems Diagnostics & Repair- In Prep for ACC 2210