No Prerequisite

Vehicular Systems & Metal Fabrication

Engines, diagnostics, welding, and fabrication — skills you can use the day you learn them.

Grades 10–12

Credits 5

Length Full Year

Prerequisite None

Pathway Materials & Construction

Students examining an engine during a teardown lab — Engine Teardown

Student welding with full protective gear in the metal shop — Welding Bay

Plasma cutter slicing through sheet metal — Plasma Cutting Station

Vehicle raised on the lift for diagnostics — Vehicle Lift & Diagnostics

About the Course

Vehicular Systems & Metal Fabrication is a hybrid prevocational course that combines hands-on study of automotive systems with metal fabrication techniques. Students gain practical skills in vehicle maintenance and repair, including engine exploration, battery and charging system diagnostics, lubrication system upkeep, tire care, auto body repair, and the replacement of common components such as wiper blades, bulbs, and fuses.

The course also provides a foundation in metal processing and fabrication, where students learn welding, plasma cutting, shearing, grinding, bending, and riveting. Through project-based learning, students apply their skills to fabricate components for real-world transportation projects. This course develops technical proficiency, problem-solving, and applied engineering skills, preparing students for careers in automotive technology, fabrication, and manufacturing, while laying the groundwork for advanced study in related fields.

Why Take This Course

Diagnose and service real vehicles: engines, batteries, charging systems, lubrication, tires, and body work.
Learn welding, plasma cutting, shearing, grinding, bending, and riveting in the metal shop.
Fabricate components for real-world transportation projects — not worksheet exercises.
Walk out with maintenance skills you’ll use on your own car for the rest of your life.
Direct preparation for careers in automotive technology, fabrication, and manufacturing.
No prerequisites — open to any 10th–12th grader ready to work with their hands.

Requirements & Logistics

Grades: 10–12
Credits: 5 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: None — open enrollment
Level: Open elective · prevocational
Expect: Shop safety training, protective equipment, and real tools from week one

Your Instructors

Teacher TBD

Industrial Arts Department Ask the department office

What Students Say

Jake Romano

MTHS '25

“I fixed my own brakes the same month we covered them in class. Between the engine labs and the welding bay, this is the most useful class I've taken at MTHS.”

Sofia Delgado

MTHS '24 · Lincoln Tech '26

“The fabrication projects sold me on this field. Learning to weld and plasma-cut in high school put me a full semester ahead when I started my tech program.”

Course Highlights

Welding & Plasma Cutting Lab

MIG and stick welding stations plus a plasma cutter — full PPE and safety training included.

Facility

Engine Diagnostics Bay

Tear down, inspect, and service real engines and vehicle systems on the shop lift.

Hands-On

Real-World Fabrication Projects

Cut, bend, and weld components for actual transportation projects you can point to.

Real World

Career Pathways

Direct preparation for automotive technology, fabrication, and manufacturing careers and trade programs.

Career