A Career In the Automotive Industry

A traditional four-year college is not for everyone. That doesn’t mean you can’t get the education necessary to pursue your career dream. There are different, but equally rewarding paths, to a successful future. Among them are careers as professional automotive, collision repair, and diesel technicians.

What You Should be Doing Now

Even though there is demand and great job opportunities available for technicians, you still need a strong foundation in core academic subjects. Today’s auto, collision repair, and diesel technicians work on sophisticated computerized systems that use complex diagnostic equipment and require math and reading skills. A 2006 study by ACT, an independent non-profit organization focused on education research, compared the skills needed for college success with those necessary to enter the workforce or attend technical school. The findings revealed that individuals must possess the same math and reading knowledge for both.

Wherever your passion lies, stay focused and get ready to work hard. To succeed, seek training and acquire the appropriate skills through classroom and hands-on learning.

Utilize the resources available to you right now, including teachers, guidance counselors and role models. Most importantly, talk to your parents. As a starting point, discuss your abilities, interests, and experiences. In turn, ask them to share their work and life experiences. Listen and consider their hopes for your future. Remember, they want you to be happy and have a satisfying career.

Graduating from a technical school takes commitment, time, money, and possibly relocation. Before committing to a technical program look for a summer or part-time job in the field you are pursuing. Be sure to research school Web sites and online student groups for details about each school’s training programs and insight into the student experience. Finally, contact technical schools for answers to your education questions.

Do Your Homework Before Choosing a Technical School

Check out the school’s curriculum, reputation, instructors, manufacturer relationships and job placement rates. Most schools regularly host open houses and offer campus tours.

Here are Some of the most Frequently asked Questions/Tips:

Can I afford to attend?

The average automotive, collision repair, and diesel training takes 12 to 18 months to complete and tuition varies by program. Fortunately, there are many programs designed to provide support for education, including federal financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and grants designated for technical education. Some funding has no income or credit restrictions and many schools have foundations that provide funding through scholarships. It is also important to factor in all that each school has to offer, above and beyond the training, when evaluating the cost to attend.

Will I have to relocate?

You may have to relocate to attend the school of choice. Most technical schools offer information on housing and important local information.

Is the school accredited?

Your guidance counselor can help you research which accrediting organizations are reputable.

What do I need to know about the curriculum?

Look for a technical school where you will use specialized diagnostic, repair, and maintenance equipment to learn about fuel and electrical systems, engine troubleshooting, noise diagnosis, and performance. For collision repair, look for a technical school that provides maximum hands-on experience in welding, plastic repair, and the latest painting techniques. Identify the safety training provided and techniques associated with becoming a "greener” world.

Also, individuals learn differently. Many do well with classroom training, while others are hands-on learners. Look for schools that offer a good balance of both styles.

Why are manufacturer relationships important?

Close relationships with major manufactures will not only enhance your training, but also improve your chances for employment with them after graduation.

What is the job placement potential for graduates?

Before committing to a school, find out the percentage of students who complete its programs, where they find jobs, and the starting wages.

Technical career outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication and most training authorities strongly recommend that individuals seeking technician careers complete a formal training program. Most dealerships regard the successful completion of a vocational program as the best preparation for trainee positions.

Employment of automotive service technicians is expected to increase 14 percent through 2016, compared to 10 percent for all other occupations. Over 110,000 new jobs will be added over the next decade. By 2016, it is estimated that the number of available positions for diesel technicians will also increase 11 percent and 12 percent for automotive body technicians.

Be aware that even after successfully passing all manufacturers’ tests before being hired, most dealerships will require two to three years of on-the-job experience before considering you a fully-qualified technician. Top technicians can make a very good living. Most dealerships offer a salary and commissions based on the quantity and difficulty of the work.

Finally, it is important to know that a technician isn’t limited to repair jobs. Qualified technicians can choose to pursue research and development, parts and accessories, as well as manufacturing and assembly. Other opportunities include careers as insurance adjusters, designers, help desk agents, manufacturer representatives, pit crew members, or shop ownership to name a few.

If a technical career sounds like the future for you, complete your high school course work and take time to research and pursue the right educational path to achieve your dream.

Editorial provided by Ken Golaszewski, Campus President, Universal Technical Institute, Houston, Texas.