It’s Not Too Late to Start Your Path as an Automotive Technician
If you’re not content with your current job, deciding to change career paths is a big step, but that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t do so.
When you’ve done your research and know how to move forward, starting your path as an automotive technician isn’t as difficult as you might think, and it’s something you can pick up at any time, whether you just graduated high school or have been in the workforce for 20 years.
Need some convincing? In the following post, Automotive Training Center (ATC) reviewed what you should know about the job outlook for automotive technicians, and why it’s not too late to adjust your career goals.
The State of the Auto Industry
It’s 2017, and there are more cars on the road than ever before. That means skilled individuals who enjoy working with their hands are in high demand for technician positions in the automotive, diesel, marine, collision, and hi-performance fields.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growth rate of 5% is a positive career outlook. All five of the technician categories previously mentioned are at 5% or above, with the role of diesel technician positioned to grow the most at an impressive rate of 10%.
Furthermore, sophisticated technology being used within car systems has changed the auto mechanic role to that of auto technician, creating a pressing need for vehicle specialists with a deep understanding of both mechanics and computers.
Getting Your Start: Next Steps/Prerequisites
The good news is, if you have a high school diploma or GED, you have what you need to begin adjusting your future career path to automotive.
Your path should begin at a 2-year post-secondary automotive training school. While shadowing a mechanic at your local repair shop used to be enough to get your foot in the door, due to the reasons above, employers now seek out those who’ve completed accredited automotive technology training.
At an automotive training school, you’ll sharpen your shop room skills while you learn and put into play the industry’s latest practices and procedures.
After you graduate, earning and keeping industry certification by passing tests administered by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) should be your top priority. Certification reflects your skill level and can help you open new doors in your career.
Choosing the Right School
If you’re interested in getting from where you are now to being an automotive or marine technician, many exciting opportunities can await. The most important thing you can do to put your career path in motion is to start researching schools where you can receive quality training.
Make sure you decide on a school that’ll help you get the most out of your new career. For help with what you should be looking for, download ATC’s free guide, The 7 Mistakes Students Make When Choosing an Automotive Training School. This resource is full of useful information you can directly apply to your search.
More on becoming an auto technician:
