If you are considering a vocation instead of college after high school, it may have occurred to you to enter an automotive program. Many students who are interested in cars and wish to become auto repair technicians consider post-secondary education in this field. Being an auto technician is a challenging career that is not right for everyone. Take some time to explore what it means to be an auto technician, to see if an automotive program is your best choice.
Becoming an auto mechanic or technician is much different today than it used to be. If your parent or grandparent repaired cars, he or she likely learned from on-the-job experience. At most, an auto technician in the past would complete a vocational program in high school. With the increasingly complex technology prevalent in the automobile industry today, it has become necessary to seek post-secondary education.
An automotive program can take place at a technical or trade school, in which case you will usually earn a certificate. It could also take place at your local community college, which awards an Associate's degree in most cases. Be aware that an Associate's degree program will not simply focus on auto repair skill-building classes. You will also have to take some general education classes, such as math and English, which can help you in your career.
It can take many years to become a fully-qualified auto technician, even with a certificate or degree in automotive repair. Specializing in a complex skill such as transmission repair, on top of general auto repair, can take additional years. Do not expect to graduate from your program and secure immediate employment as a technician. You may have to start out as a lubrication specialist or an assistant to a technician in order to gain work experience.
As a successful auto technician, you will have to commit yourself to continuing education. Technology changes rapidly in the auto industry and you will have to adapt to new techniques, equipment, and car features. Technicians often have to take regular training classes to keep up with innovation in the field.
Depending on your employer, you will have to be certified regularly by ASE, or Automotive Service Excellence. This set of eight exams tests you in different skill areas. It is not enough to be a competent mechanic - you will also have to have test-taking skills, as these written exams can be challenging. Passing all eight exams qualifies you to be a highly-employable Master Technician.
Finally, realize that being an auto repair technician is a highly physical job and takes place in all weather. You will have to be strong and fit to succeed in this line of work. Expect to spend long hours standing, bending, and kneeling on unforgiving garage floors.
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