This handbook provides a framework that can be applied by other sites that are interested in starting projects similar to the Automotive Technology Education Careers (ATEC) project in which business and education work together as partners. It is designed to guide the reader in planning an automotive technician program, but the steps it outlines can be applied to the implementation of any program. Following an overview of ATEC, each step is described in a separate section that concludes with a "Think About" section with questions and statements to trigger useful ideas for starting the program. These steps are addressed: defining the problem; establishing a time line, priorities, and goals; defining tech prep, applied academics, and articulation agreements; funding a program; selecting appropriate teachers and subject areas; organizing a business advisory committee; developing student qualifications and recruiting procedures; counseling; writing the curriculum; mentoring and job shadowing: establishing business partnerships; understanding laws and liabilities; marketing; and preparation of facilities. (YLB)