The Automotive Technology curriculum consists of eight areas of study as defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The eight content areas of study, along with the College’s general education requirements, are structured into four groups with all eight areas of study being offered during a two-year period.
The mission of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Helena College is to provide entry-level technicians who are trained in the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance with respect to general aviation and the light utility helicopter industry. With this training, a technician will be prepared for employment in many different occupations in the aviation industry. Upon completion of 1900 hours of course work, students will be prepared to take three written exams and sit with a Designated Maintenance Examiner qualified by the FAA to be given three Oral and Practical Exams.
Computer Aided Manufacturing is designed to prepare students as entry-level machinists in many areas, including aerospace, computer industries, job shop, gun smiting, tool and die making, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operator, and CNC programmer. Students will study machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, drill presses, cylindrical grinders, and surface grinders. Students will be prepared to enter the work force as entry level programmers and CAD/CAM technicians. Students will program and operate machining centers and turning centers in the lab. Students will learn the Mastercam programming system, which allows students to design parts on the computer and then manufacture them in the lab.
Diesel Technology A.A.S. Associate of Applied Science Diesel Technology prepares the student to enter various segments of the diesel repair industry as an entry-level technician. This includes, but is not limited to, the agricultural, the industrial equipment, and the heavy-duty diesel truck repair industry. This program provides comprehensive training in maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of related electrical/electronic systems, mobile hydraulic systems, manual and hydraulic drive trains, brakes, air systems, diesel engines, general maintenance, alignment and undercarriages, and HVAC systems as used in equipment common to the diesel repair industry.
With an emphasis on safety, students will receive hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in rigging, job estimation, blueprint reading, and layout and pattern making. In addition, students will receive extensive lab training in a wide variety of welding processes including S.M.A.W. (stick electrode), G.M.A.W. (wire processes), Pulse M.I.G., T.I.G., and plasma cutting. The focus of the training is to give the students the skills necessary to successfully pass American Welding Society (A.W.S.) certifications. Students will also receive introductory instruction in design and fabrication, thus allowing them to perform repairs and fabricate projects. Students will learn advanced fabrication techniques and will also receive training in various methods of pipe welding with an opportunity to take the A.W.S. certification test. Second year students will be given instruction in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) burn table programming and operation using Auto-CAD and Shop Data Systems software. Entry into second year is by application only. The Helena College Welding Program is proudly affiliated with the American Welding Society through an Institutional Educational Membership. We hold our students to the highest standards set by the American Welding Society.
Machine Tool Technology is a two semester program designed to prepare students as entry-level machinists in many areas, including aerospace, computer industries, job shop, gun smithing, tool and die making, Students will study machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, drill presses, cylindrical grinders, and surface grinders.
Metals technology is designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians in many areas. Students will study machining processes and procedures, properties of metals, blueprint reading, and inspection techniques. Welding skills are taught using oxyacetylene, manual stick electrode, semiautomatic Mig, Tig (Heliarc), dualshield Mig, and various additional processes. Students may being their instruction in the two-year Metals Technology program, depending upon the space available, in either the machine tool or the welding area.