Mark Lafollette has nearly 40 years’ experience as a technician, service manager, and business owner in the automobile and heavy equipment industries. Mark is also an auto and medium/heavy truck and master ASE technician. He has taught secondary, college and adult education classes at the LISD TECH Center since 2006. The Onsted High School graduate received his Bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University and his Master’s degree in Career Technical Education from Western Michigan University.
Automotive Services Technology
With more sophisticated technology as a part of today’s automotive engines and systems, and cars being built to last longer than ever before, the need for trained automotive service technicians is as strong as ever. Jobs for automotive service technicians are expected to grow at a 9% rate over the next 10 years. Graduates from this program will have the training, certifications, and a personal portfolio to prepare for job interviews to give them a competitive advantage over other applicants.
Program Description
Students work in teams in a shop setting to learn to diagnose and repair automotive steering and suspension systems, brake and electrical systems, and engine performance problems. Students take part in SkillsUSA leadership events and second-year students become team leaders. Students can earn several certifications as part of the coursework. The program is Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF) accredited.
To Be Successful
Students in this program are energetic, hardworking, industrious, and can manage their time wisely. Students must be self-motivated with a dedication to complete assigned tasks. They must possess the ability to work in teams and to learn computer skills to help them do research on the internet.
Student Organization
SkillsUSA
Instructor
Teacher Assistant
Kyle Lafollette is a graduate of Onsted High School and an alumni of the Automotive Services Technology program at the TECH Center. He has attended the automotive program at Jackson College and has more than eight years of experience working in the automotive field. Kyle has six Automotive Service Excellence certifications and is a State of Michigan licensed technician in five automotive repair areas. He enjoys spending time working in the family business and on vintage tractors and automobiles. Kyle has been working in the Automotive Services Technology program since 2010 and became a full-time teacher assistant in 2013.