Breakdown Your Career as an Auto Mechanic

Melissa Steele, EducationGuys.com Writer --

If you are looking for a hands-on profession where you can utilize your problem solving skills, auto mechanic school might be a good choice for you.

Automotive mechanics need to have the ability to diagnose the source of a problem and accurately fix it, as well as having a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Automotive mechanics or automotive technicians do the job of repairing automobiles, vans, and light trucks with gasoline engines. If you would like to earn a significant income based on your skills and productivity, you may want to consider a attending an automotive mechanic school.

Auto mechanics perform routine service on automobiles to keep them running well. They inspect and lubricate engines and parts. They regularly follow a checklist to be certain that they inspect possible trouble areas. Brakes, belts, hoses, and fuel systems are items mechanics observe directly. Mechanics also install or fix accessories, such as cooling systems and windshield wipers. Automobile mechanics are also known as service technicians.

As automotive technology becomes more sophisticated, persons seeking automotive service technician and mechanic jobs are required to have formal training in programs from community colleges, technical institutes, or public or private vocational schools. Courses in automotive repair, electronics, English, computers, and mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service technician. Voluntary certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence ( http://www.asecert.org/ ) has become a standard credential for automotive service technicians. Certification is offered in 1 or more of 8 different areas of automotive service. For certification in specific areas such as electrical systems, engine repair or brake systems, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience and pass the certification test. Some technicians, however, still lean the trade by working alongside experienced mechanics.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 803,000 jobs in 2004. Job opportunities for automotive mechanics will be good for those who complete automotive training programs in vocational and technical schools, or community colleges. Employers in this field report having difficulty finding trained qualified personnel to fill open positions. Demand for technicians will grow as the number of vehicles in operation increases, reflecting continued growth in the number of multi-car families. Growth in demand will be offset somewhat by improvements in the quality of vehicles and technological innovations that enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents and breakdowns. Average hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $15.60 in May 2004

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