Have you always wanted to turn your passion for cars
or trucks into a rewarding career in the automotive field. The automotive jobs sector
presented about 800,000 jobs in 2008, with the typical salary for each car
mechanic being nearly $30,000-$55,000 annually. The industry favors high school
graduates possessing hands-on experience in the field. Therefore, if you prefer
a rewarding career in this field, sign up for a community college, where you
will get the practical knowledge of working with cars and identifying high-tech
complications.
Education, Training, and Certification
With automobiles operating on complicated integrated
auto digital systems and sophisticated technology these days, 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 complex problems and turn into high-tech problem solvers. It's
essential to complete a formal training curriculum from an auto mechanic
school, in which you will get the required classroom experience in math,
physics, metalwork,
mechanical drawing, science, computer skills, and automobile maintenance along
with training. Therefore, the role of mechanic colleges and schools has become
crucial in offering auto mechanic programs delivering mechanical training to
prepare technicians for a flourishing career.
Numerous high schools offer recognized auto mechanic
training programs for their students and award a high school diploma including
a certificate. A number of high schools are affiliated with Automotive Youth
Education Systems (AYES), a not for profit association that brings together
high schools, participating car dealers and manufacturers from the automotive
industry, to help students get ready for entry-level technician placements at a
car dealership or repair shop.Alternatively,
if a mechanical training program wasn't available at your local or regional
high school, sign up for a postsecondary training program at a local community
college that offers auto mechanic classes, including mechanic training, and
awards an associate degree or certificate. The automobile training programs
range from six to twelve months, which mostly depend on the number of hours
spent on the program on a weekly basis.
Once you graduate from a post-secondary mechanic
program, the automotive jobs sector opens up to you. Several employers offer
in-house training in such programs for entry-level technicians which have not
gone through the courses in their high school before engaging them in
entry-level jobs. Such mechanic apprenticeship and training courses have gotten
more popular then ever these days. However, if you are still not ready for a full-time
trade school course,
you could start working as a trainee mechanic in a workshop so as to learn the
needed skills, besides registering for an evening course or online auto
mechanic program. You get the opportunity to learn from experienced
technicians.
Being an auto mechanic trainee, it is important to
begin your career by performing routine service and simple repairs and
troubleshooting problems for a few months. Intricate specialties, including
transmission repair and air conditioning, require no less than one to two years
of training and experience. Therefore, spending two to five years in a
dealership service center or repair shop provides you the ample knowledge to
become a fully qualified service technician.
Rising Value of ASE Certification
It will be better yet if you look for those
community colleges whose programs are specially designed to prepare you for the
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Though ASE certification is
not necessary for automotive service work, progressively more employers favor
individuals with such certifications, which can be attained in any of the eight
aspects of automotive service, which include brake systems, engine repair, and
electrical system, among others. Upon having a mechanic certification from the
National Institute for ASE, you will have the upper hand and be given
preference in the marketplace. After you have passed the certification test and
have a minimum of two years of practical experience, the ASE certification will
surely increase the value of your resume and increase your marketability.
Job Opportunity
While looking for a job in this field,
list all of your mechanic certifications and emphasize your experience. Having
an experience with advanced computerized diagnostic systems will significantly
attract potential employers toward you.
Grab every automotive job possibility which comes your
way, bearing in mind your skills and requirements. Your wages depend partly on
the type and amount of work done by you. Possessing such areas of expertise as
engine repair, electrical systems, suspension and steering, brake systems, and
heating and air-conditioning gives you the extra advantage of opting for
specialist positions, providing higher perks and greater job satisfaction.
Bottom Line
The demand for competent automobile technicians will
continue to grow with the increase in the number of cars on the road. Add to
this the intricate electrical systems that run vehicles these days, the
requirement for skilled car mechanics and skilled technicians is projected to
grow faster than all other occupations over the next decade.
About
the Author
In addition, you can find helpful information on MechanicApprentice.com. MechanicApprentice.com is
a site dedicated to helping everyone begin their careers as an auto mechanic and answering your questions
about what it takes to become amechanic
apprentice.
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