Mechanics--or automotive technicians--are responsible for identifying and fixing problems in vehicles, according to CareerOverview.com. Mechanics in May 2008 earned a median hourly wage of $16.88, or $35,110 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in this field is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018 because more families have multiple vehicles, and modern vehicles have more advanced technologies.
High School
Choosing a good school for training to become a mechanic really should start in high school. Students should select a high school that provides a quality program. Some programs simply introduce you to the mechanic field, arming you with enough information to fix up your own car, for example. Other programs actually teach enough critical skills so that you can claim jobs as mechanic helpers or entry-level trainees, at which point you can gain years of experience to become a journey-level service technician. All high school programs provide training that is overseen by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program. Also, the more extensive Automotive Youth Education Service trains students to receive their technician's certification at several U.S. high schools through the cooperation of hundreds of automotive dealers.
College
At the college level, programs pair classroom studies with hands-on experience to better prepare you for work as a mechanic. These more thorough automotive technician training programs are available at vocational and technical schools. These types of programs are becoming even more critical today because newer vehicles are becoming more complex, thus requiring better diagnostic and problem-solving skills. Training in such areas as computers, electronics and automotive repair are mandatory to work on vehicles in which computers control every single part---from the engine to the air conditioning and brake systems. Many modern vehicles also offer contemporary Internet and GPS tools, along with other high-technology features. Auto technician programs additionally should teach different kinds of fuel, as many vehicles are moving toward alternative fuel sources such as solar power and electric fuel cells. Many of these programs go beyond science and engineering studies to also include stress management and customer service training. The goal is to make you well-rounded in the professional auto shop when dealing with both customers and vendors.
Auto technician training programs usually last between six months to one year and result in a certificate, while community college programs usually span about two years because they add additional core classes such as math and English so students can earn their associate degree. Good post-secondary training programs are certified by the ASE, which sets the national standard for equipment, courses and staff.
Dealership-Sponsored Programs
Dealerships and vehicle manufacturers also sponsor training programs through associate degree schools. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology accredits many auto and diesel technology institutions. In dealership programs, you'll have the chance to attend class and work at dealership repair shops, where you're exposed to the latest models of vehicles. The standards of these programs are certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, an affiliate of the ASE.
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