Have you always wanted to turn your passion for cars into a fulfilling career in the automotive field. The automotive jobs sector offered about 800,000 jobs in 2008, with the typical salary for each car mechanic being just about $30,000-$55,000 per year. The industry prefers high school graduate students having hands-on experience in the field. As a result, if you prefer a gratifying career in this particular field, sign up for a community college, where you will get the practical knowledge of handling vehicles and identifying high-tech issues.Education, Training, and Certification
With cars and trucks functioning on complicated integrated auto electronic systems and sophisticated technology nowadays, the job of a car technician has evolved from being merely mechanical to high technology. Automotive service experts are required to use reasoning and ability to identify complicated issues and turn into high-tech problem solvers. You need to complete a proper training curriculum from an auto mechanic institution, in which you will get the necessary classroom knowledge in math, physics, metal work, mechanical drawing, science, computer skills, and automobile maintenance together with training. Therefore, the role of mechanic colleges and schools has grown to be essential in offering auto mechanic programs delivering mechanical training to prepare technicians for a prosperous career.
Numerous high schools provide recognized auto mechanic training programs for their students and award a high school diploma along with a certificate. A number of high schools are affiliated with Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES), a nonprofit association which brings together high schools, participating car dealers and manufacturers from the automotive industry, to help students get ready for entry-level technician opportunities at a car dealership or repair shop.However, if a mechanical training curriculum wasn't offered at your local or regional high school, sign up for a postsecondary training program at a local community college that offers auto mechanic courses, including mechanic training, and awards an associate degree or certificate. The auto training programs range between six to twelve months, which mostly depend upon how many hours you spend on the program every week. After you graduate from a post-secondary mechanic program, the automotive jobs market opens up to you. Some firms offer in-house training in such programs for entry-level technicians who have not been through the courses in their high school before engaging them in entry-level jobs. Such mechanic apprenticeship and training courses are becoming very popular ever these days. However, if you're still not prepared for a full-time trade school course, you could start working as a trainee mechanic in a workshop in an attempt to learn the essential skills, besides registering for an evening course or online auto mechanic program. You get the ability to learn from experienced technicians.
Being an auto mechanic trainee, it is important to begin your employment by accomplishing routine service and straightforward repairs and troubleshooting problems for several months. Intricate specialties, such as transmission repair and air conditioning, demand at least one to two years of training and experience. Therefore, spending two to five years in a dealership service center or repair shop will give you the adequate experience to become a fully qualified service technician.
Growing Value of ASE Certification It will be better yet if you seek out those community colleges whose programs have been developed specifically to prepare you for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Though ASE certification is not required for automotive service work, a lot more employers prefer applicants with such certifications, which can be earned in any of the eight aspects of automotive service, which include brake systems, engine repair, and electrical system, among others. Once you have a mechanic certification from the National Institute for ASE, you will possess the upper hand and be given preference in the marketplace. Once you have passed the certification exam and have a minimum of two years of working experience, the ASE certification will truly add value to your resume and enhance your marketability.
Career Opportunity While applying for a job in this field, list all of your current mechanic certifications and highlight your experience. Having an experience with advanced computerized diagnostic systems will tremendously attract potential employers toward you. Seize any automotive job prospect that comes your way, keeping in mind your skills and requirements. Your income depend partly on the type and volume of work done by you. Possessing such specialties as engine repair, electrical systems, suspension and steering, brake systems, and heating and air-conditioning will provide you with the extra benefit of opting for specialist positions, presenting higher perks and greater job satisfaction.
Bottom Line The demand for skilled automobile technicians continues to grow with the increase in the number of cars on the road. Add to this the complicated electrical systems that run vehicles nowadays, the need for professional car mechanics and experienced technicians is projected to grow faster than all other occupations over the next decade.