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A
career as an automotive mechanic can open up many opportunities
to a rewarding position in the automotive industry. Automotive
mechanic school can prepare students with hands-on training and
skills for working on cars, trucks, and other electronic
equipment. Although auto mechanic training can be extensive,
most students can find options at a trade school or auto
mechanic college to gain the knowledge and experience they need
for a successful career.
Automotive mechanic
colleges can also prepare students by providing the latest technologies and
electronic equipment for vehicle work. Students learn how to read and interpret
car manuals, use computer-based machines, and receive hands-on training in a
service shop setting. Auto body school is another option; it provides students with design and
technical fundamentals in the areas of car repair, finishing, and touch-ups.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Auto Mechanic School Graduates
Graduates may be involved with a variety of positions and responsibilities.
Depending on the level of training received, graduates are
generally involved with:
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Working on projects in a team
environment
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Training for specific
automotive mechanic procedures
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Working with computers and
electronic equipment
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Understanding automotive
manuals and staying up to date on industry innovations
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Fixing specific parts or
processes of cars, trucks, and other automotive equipment
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Diagnosing and solving
mechanical problems
Auto Mechanic Career Options
Most automotive mechanic
colleges and schools can prepare students with training for flexibility in their
career choices. Mechanics may work in a variety of fields and areas,
and may even choose to specialize in a particular area over time. Graduates may choose to become:
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Automotive transmission
mechanics who work with hydraulic pumps and auto transmission equipment
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Tune-up mechanics who
optimize engine performance
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Automotive air-conditioning
mechanics who repair and install compressors, air-conditioners, and other
devices
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Front-end mechanics who work
with aligning and balancing wheels and suspension systems
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Automotive-radiator mechanics
who clean, install, and replace radiators
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Transmission engineers, who
work with large-scale vehicles and other automotive devices
Auto Mechanic Training
Programs and Courses
While auto repair
and body school focuses on the exterior of the car, auto mechanic
colleges help provide a comprehensive education in the automotive field. An auto
repair school offers specialized courses and training for both foreign and
domestic engines. Auto mechanic training can focus on the repair, internal
control systems, and finishing domestic and foreign automobiles. Common courses
available may include:
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Engine Analysis
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Computerized Diagnostic
Equipment Training
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Hand-Held Scanners
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Automobile Engine Overview
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Fuel Injection Systems
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Exhaust Systems Training
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Integrated Electronic Systems
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Auto Manufacturer History
Each auto
manufacturer may also sponsor or offer an exclusive program for their particular
brands. Some colleges and training programs offer this as an
elective component of their curriculum, while other programs require courses in one to two specializations. These 2-year programs
are offered at many auto mechanic tech schools and community colleges around the
country.
An auto body school
is a specialization, and the emphasis with
training is on the construction and repair of the car body. Students who attend
this type of school are often involved with:
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Learning how to straighten a
car body
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Using new materials for
various applications
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Learning welding techniques
and increasing knowledge about substrate preparation
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Gaining skills in color
matching and finishing technique
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Understanding how new and old
automobile construction materials are used and applied
Automotive Mechanic Colleges Accreditation
The National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certifies automobile mechanic training
programs at the majority of trade schools, community colleges, and tech schools.
Certification is available through the Institute of Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE). Although certification is not mandatory for a
career, it can provide additional employment opportunities beyond basic
training.
Automotive Mechanic School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment
Prospects
Attending a mechanic school offers many
career opportunities, and employment prospects look promising. Automotive
mechanic colleges provide ample training for a diverse range of
career options, and many students can choose to specialize in a particular field
to further their education, skill set, and experience.
Automotive electronics, engineering, and technology is an
attractive skill set for many employers, and a mechanic who specializes in particular area can look forward to higher earning
potential. Certification can also improve employment opportunities. Growth in
employment is most evident in automobile dealerships, gasoline service stations,
and gasoline car chains.
The median hourly wage for automotive mechanics and automotive
service technicians was $11.31 per hour in 2004. Experienced technicians and
mechanics may also earn more with commissions and supervisor positions.
Related occupations include:
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Automotive Body Repair Technician
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Automotive Painter
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Diesel Service Technician
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Brake Repairer
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Railcar Repair Tech
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Automotive Service Advisor
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Automotive Glass Installer
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Farm Equipment Mechanic
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