Automotive Technician–Add Precision Torque to Your Future
Today’s cars are precision vehicles with high performance engines and computer technology that has moved well beyond the cars of even the last decade. Trained automotive technicians are stepping up to the plate and filling a need with the education and experience required to keep today’s cars running in tip-top shape. If you are looking into additional schooling, but are not sure if college is the right route for your future, you may consider automotive technician training as a way to start a rewarding career.
What Do Automotive Technicians Do?
Automotive technicians are trained in problem solving. They learn how to identify the causes of breakdowns and how to repair them as quickly and efficiently as possible. As an automotive technician you will learn to interpret complex computer codes which identify problems in on-board computers and intricate systems of everything from steering to brakes to exhaust systems. You will perform general maintenance on a wide range of models spanning decades. You will get the chance to work in places such as garages and service centers, race tracks, and marinas. This career has the possibility of taking you to exotic locations where skilled technicians are prized, such as boat slips in Miami or ski resorts in Colorado.
Types of Automotive Technician Degrees
Automotive Degrees or Certificates: Graduates who learn to diagnose and service foreign and domestic cars can choose from a variety of career paths besides the more obvious technician. They can become service managers, shop foreman, technical writers, and insurance investigators besides others.
Diesel/Hi-Performance: These courses are for those who want to specialize in heavy equipment and large diesel trucks. Graduates may work with anything from diesel cars and trucks to marine engines or as a service writer.
Marine Service: Marine technicians learn outboard and inboard motors and get the opportunity to pursue their career in the outdoors by the water.
Collision: Technicians who graduate with a collision certificate are taught vehicle restoration and the skills required to do the job such as metalworking, body repair, frame repair, welding, painting and refinishing, electrical and steering and suspension systems.
NASCAR Technician: Designed for the student with a love of fast cars, these types of programs give students a closer look at the high performance engine and how to maximize its performance by fine tuning specific parts. Graduates of these programs may be able to enter the work force as engine builders, machinists, and performance technicians.
What Type Of Training Does An Automotive Technician Get?
Automotive technicians get the training they need with a combination of class time and shop time. Class time immerses you in the technical side of repairing cars and the reasoning behind it. A good automotive technician school will give you the chance to get your hands dirty with hands-on training in the garage. In fact, mechanics in the field claim that the most important facet of an automotive education is repetition on common procedures like oil changes, brake jobs and inspections.
Training varies in time, from 36 weeks to longer for specialized courses and advanced degrees.
Automotive technicians get the best of both worlds. Not only do they get the chance to learn about and work with high-tech computers, skilled graduates can face interesting problems and practice creative solutions by getting their hands dirty in the field.
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