If just hearing the sound of a well-tuned engine gets your motor running, you may find yourself gearing up to enroll in an automotive program where you can learn to master a craft while providing a service to others. Today's auto mechanic students learn everything from basic engine systems to custom-built, high-performance engines. As a certified automotive technician, you'll be prepared to work on most modern automobiles.If you're a natural-born problem-solver, that skill will come in handy on a daily basis, as you test and diagnose many problems surrounding everything from breakdowns to strange noises. Well-trained automotive technicians with the right combination of skills are always in high demand. In fact, with proper automotive program training, you may even discover that you can advance through the ranks in a career in automotive technology.
Automotive technology programs often include courses in diagnosing, servicing and repairing vehicles. Of course, each program will vary depending on the school, and you'll find that there are classes and programs available for both domestic and foreign automobiles. You'll have to decide if you want a broad-based education or if you want to specialize in, say, German makes and models.
Students in automotive technology programs learn how to troubleshoot problems of all kinds using the latest gadgets such as hand-held scanners, engine analyzers and other computerized diagnostic equipment. There are also courses on topics such as computerized fuel injection, passenger restraint systems, anti-lock brakes, computerized engine control and much, much more. You'll learn the latest developments in engine repair and emissions testing.
Depending on the automotive program you enroll in, you may learn from intensive hands-on training as well as through web-based tutorials, classroom lectures and on-site work experience at dealer locations. Also, if you decide to pursue an Associate's degree, you'll also take several liberal arts classes. These classes, such as communications, speech and psychology, can help when dealing directly with customers, some of whom will not be happy campers when their car breaks down or you can't find an immediate solution to the problem.
A dealership-sponsored automotive program prepares students for a career as an Automotive Service Technician in specific dealership. As you apprentice in the dealership, you'll learn technical competency to analytically diagnose, service and maintain the dealer products using their specific recommended procedures, special tools and parts. If the automotive program you enroll in is combined with a dealership program, be prepared for an intense 6 to 12 week full-time work experience.
You also may have the option of enrolling in the newest technologies related to "green" initiatives as they relate to automotive technology programs. When working on hybrid vehicles, you'll learn about high-voltage safety and safe working habits when performing service or maintenance on these types of cars. This is an ideal course for you whether you're a new automotive technician or a great course to market if you're already in the field to bring in specific customers.
You'll find that enrolling in an automotive technician program is an attractive field because of the satisfaction of working with your hands as well as the immediate results in helping others. It is even possible to take online auto classes through online certificate programs. If a little grease doesn't bother you, then "wrenching it" may be just the career you're looking for. After all, vehicles will be around for a long time, and so will the need for a qualified automotive mechanic.