By Armando Martinez
For decades, Passaic High School has boasted a successful Auto Tech program. PHS students have the opportunity to gain skills through a hands-on experience every day. Many schools do not have the space or budget to build an auto shop, but PHS has offered this opportunity to students for many years.
This class gives students the experience of working in a trade setting. Auto Tech teacher Mr. Sciametta has taught in the auto shop for 38 years, and started off his teaching career here at PHS.
The Auto Tech program can help students develop skills they can use in the mechanics field, as well as other career fields. “They practice communicating with customers, working with others in a workshop setting, and learn to respect coworkers,” Sciametta said. These skills are transferable to many postsecondary career and educational paths.
To be successful in an auto shop setting, a good base in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is key.
“In class, we explore science concepts such as principles of friction and the conversion of chemicals into heat, and mathematics concepts such as measuring and calculating,” said Sciametta. “Students learn to formulate a scientific approach to diagnosis of vehicle problems.”
The Auto Tech program has a bright future. Next year, PHS is offering an Auto Tech 3 course, which is a two period block class. Auto Tech 2 is also a block period and Auto Tech 1 is a single class period. Students will be able to take Auto Tech classes for three years during their time at PHS.
The program is on the threshold of gaining certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). With this certification, students will be prepared for postsecondary training or direct employment in the Automotive Technicians career.
Photo Gallery: Students work on vehicles in the auto shop on a regular basis and gain hands-on experience. Photos by Mr. Sciametta.
