Automotive Technician
Program Head:
Doug Thesing
608.789.6299
Thesingd@westerntc.edu
Summer Contact
Automotive Technology Center
608.785.9246
Web Related Links:
- National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
- Skills USA
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Instructor Websites
Automotive Skills USA VICA Club
The Automotive Skills USA club has two car care clinics, (fall and spring) that enable people of the community to receive a free car inspection. We have also held food drives benefiting the hunger taskforce and do community projects such as helping with repainting the Rotary Lights light hanging framework. The club funds students who attend the State Leadership Conference, several pizza luncheons for the automotive students, and students who compete at the Skills USA state and national competitions.
Automotive Repair Schedule
If you are interested in getting your vehicle repaired in one of our classes, here is the Automotive Repair Schedule for the entire year. If the problem with the vehicle matches what we are currently teaching, please e-mail or call the instructor teaching the class. Parts that may be required to repair your vehicle will need to be purchased through our parts department.
| Instructor | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Solberg 608.785.9132 solbergp@westerntc.edu |
Engine Tune Up Spark Plugs, Ignition System, Plug Wires (Sept. to late Oct.) Engine Overhaul (Late Oct. to Dec. only) |
Engine Tune Up Ignition, Spark Plugs, Plug Wires Exhaust |
| Brian Kanable 608.789.6298 kanableb@westerntc.edu |
Electrical Power windows, seats, rear defrost, cruise control, air-bag, anti-theft, gauge and warning lamps, wipers and other miscellaneous electrical systems. (Sept.- Oct.) Basic Drive Trains Universal Joints, Half Shafts, Front/ Rear Wheel bearings, FWD/ RWD manual transmission. (Nov. and Dec.) |
Advanced Drive Line Clutches, Differentials, Four wheel drive including transfer case. (January and February Automatic Transmissions Maintenance, Diagnostics and Complete Overhauls (must be out of vehicle) (March to May) |
| Chris Kolasa 608.785.9181 kolasac@westerntc.edu |
Engine Performance Fuel injection diagnosis and service. Check engine lights. Poor engine running conditions and no starts. |
Engine Performance Fuel injection diagnosis and service. Check engine lights. Poor engine running conditions and no starts. Brakes Mid-March to May |
| Steve Captain 608.789.4749 captains@westerntc.edu |
Air – Conditioning September to November ABS Brake Systems November to December |
Air-Conditioning |
| Doug Thesing 608.789.6299 thesingd@westerntc.edu | Electrical
Starters, alternators and lighting systems. Battery service. ( September to Late October) Engine Overhaul and Major Engine Work Late October to December |
Steering, Alignment and Suspension, Complete Service
March to Mid- May Basic Maintenance ( January to February) Transmission Service Oil Changes Tires and Balance Cooling Systems Service |
Car Donations
We are currently looking for late model vehicles 10 years old or newer. Please call 789-6299 or E-mail dthesing@westerntc.edu for donation inquiries.
Instructor Bios.
Brian Kanable
Title: Automotive Instructor
Office location: ATC-108
Office phone: 608.789.6298
E-mail: kanableb@westerntc.edu
Specialties:
Chassis Electrical and Electronics, Basic Drive Trains, Advanced Drive Trains, Automatic Transmissions and Axles.
Work experience:
Instructor at Western Technical College for eighteen years, worked in privately owned shops for 8 years.
Education:
Graduate of Western Technical College in the Automotive Servicing Program, have received several credits from the University of LaCrosse, and the University of Stout.
Certifications:
Automotive Service Excellence ( ASE) - Master Automobile Technician Certified
Bob Marconi
Title: automotive instructor
Office location: ATC-105
Office phone: 608.789.4749
E-mail: marconib@westerntc.edu
Specialties:
Electrical & Electronic, Brakes, Air-Conditioning
Work experience:
20 industry experience as dealership and aftermarket technician. Also 25 years as independent auto repair shop owner.
Education:
Western Associate of Applied Science Automotive.
Certifications:
ASE Master Certified, L1 Advanced Engine Performance, Electrical, Gas and Diesel Medium Truck Certifications, Parts Specialist
Chris Kolasa
Title: Automotive Instructor
Office location: ATC-109-C
Office phone: 608-785-9181
E-mail: kolasac@westerntc.edu
Specialties:
Engine Performance, Brakes
Work experience:
14 years of dealership experience
Education:
2 year Diploma – Northcentral Technical College, Automotive Mechanics
BS in Career Technical Education and Training - UW Stout
Certifications:
ASE Master Technician, L1 Advanced Level Specialist
Dan Boland
Title: Auto Parts Manager
Office location: ATC-152
Office phone: 608.785.9180
E-mail: bolandd@westerntc.edu
Work experience:
18 years at GM/Import Dealership
14 years in Parts Department
Certifications:
ASE Certified, GM Certified 1990-2004
Douglas Thesing
Title: Program Head/Automotive Instructor
Office location: ATC-110
Office phone: 608.789.6299
E-mail: thesingd@westerntc.edu
Specialties:
Engine repair, Electrical systems, Steering-Suspension and Alignment
Work experience:
Worked in field, eight years independent shop, and fourteen years at new car Dealer, foreign/domestic
Education:
Graduate of Western automotive program.
Certifications:
General Motors, Master technician, Chevrolet Master Technician, Nissan Master Technician, ASE Automobile Master Technician, ASE medium/heavy truck Master Technician, ASE LT1 level specialist
Phil Solberg
Title: Automotive Technician Instructor
Office location: ATC-106
Office phone: 608.785.9132
E-mail: solbergp@westerntc.edu
Specialties:
Engine repair, tune-up, fuel systems.
Work experience:
Fourteen years industry experience as dealership and fleet technician.
Education:
Graduate of Western Technical College, Automotive Technician program.
Certifications:
ASE Master Auto, L1 Automotive Advanced Engine Performance, Ford Engine Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own tools to enter the program?
No, each student is issued a set of tools to use throughout the year.
Can I shadow the automotive program for a day?
Yes, have your instructor or counselor contact us to set up a time to visit us.
