Industrial Technology 

Industrial Technology involves the use of equipment and technology necessary to design, develop, install or maintain physical systems. Careers in the trades involve mechanical principles applied to practical situations using hands-on techniques with machines or tools.
The Industrial Technology Program at Santa Rosa High School includes emphases in Automotive and Manufacturing technologies. The courses provide students with opportunities to develop skills in tool, material and instrumentation usage in addition to a general knowledge of opportunities available in the industry.

Students in the Automotive Technology Pathway will learn basic theory and practice of the operating systems and maintenance of automobiles. They will study on computer diagnostic training units and then apply the lessons in a fully equipped auto shop.  Maria Carrillo High School opened a state of the art computer diagnostic facility and auto shop in fall 2006.  In both programs students will receive training to pass ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) automotive technician certification exams, a standard for the industry.

According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, “Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, auto service consultants, and collision damage estimators. Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two years of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes ASE certified.” The two years of work experience must be in the same specialty area as the certification test the student takes.

Manufacturing Pathway students will design, fabricate, and repair metal products using a variety of welding and cutting techniques. Students use state of the art lab facilities and equipment to create both practical and artistic pieces in class.  SRHS students have won several awards at the Sonoma County Fair in the past few years including: Best of Show and first place for a utility trailer in 2008, first place for a trailer and first place for a piece demonstrating technique on a welding cut in 2005,  two Best of Shows for trailers in 2004.

Students completing either focus will have a solid foundation for entry-level work in their field and will be encouraged to continue their studies in apprenticeships, technical colleges, or the certificate programs at Santa Rosa Junior College in Welding, Diesel or Automotive Technologies.