Learn the Automotive Technician Trade
Automotive technicians perform a wide range of duties that can include maintenance, mechanical repairs and inspections. Automotive technician work entails basic services such as oil changes to more complex work that involves computer diagnostics and electronic systems. Preparation for entering the automotive technician trade includes completing a training program in automotive service technology. To stay ahead of the competition for automotive technician positions, consider a solid vocational training program in addition to becoming ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified within the field.
Steps
- Research the automotive technician trade to learn more about the field to see if it is the right career for you. Those looking for entry level positions must have excellent analytical abilities as well as solid communication and reasoning skills.
- Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses relative to your present knowledge in the field and your level of education. Having a strong inherent mechanical aptitude is important in order to diagnose and do repair work within the automotive technician trade.
- Assess your ability to work with advanced electronics and read technical manuals. You should have strong reading and computer skills in addition to mathematical abilities.
- Decide if you want to specialize within a particular area of the automotive technician trade. Examples include training that focuses on the newest hybrid technology in addition to working on diesel engines.
- Determine what type of vocational training program you would like to pursue. Educational programs within the automotive technician trade include those offered at trade and technical schools as well as community colleges.
- Review the entry requirements for admission to various automotive technician trade training programs. Some educational programs may require a high school diploma.
- Ascertain whether your goals are to attend a basic 6 month program or more formal, in-depth training that may include certification. Acquiring the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification will give you an additional edge when applying for a job.
- Consider the possibility of working toward an associated degree. If a management position is your eventual goal, then the additional coursework in a 2 year program that includes business skills is a good choice.
- Contemplate the possible option of an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. There are automotive service facilities and dealerships that may provide interested and enthusiastic individuals with paid training and education in the automotive technician trade.
- Contact your guidance counselor if you are a high school student considering entering the automotive technician trade. Available high school vocational training may offer students the opportunity to actively participate in Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES) programs.
- Visit several websites that offer educational training in the automotive technician trade. Thoroughly read about the available programs and request to have additional information sent to you.
- Select the best program for your needs, interests and career goals. Many automotive technician trade programs offer financial support in the form of student loans and financing.
- Chart out your finalized plans and proceed with confidence. Attend your classes, study, develop your skills and you will soon be qualified to enter the field of the automotive technician trade.
