Additional Information
While high school graduation isn't always required for a career in automotive
service, insiders say it's important to finish this schooling. Graduation
increases your odds of getting hired as an apprentice. Plus, all those automotive
or small engine repair courses will come in handy, as will basic mathematics
and English courses.
Post-secondary programs range in length from six months to two years or
longer, usually at vocational or applied science colleges. Usually, the longer
programs provide both classroom instruction and periods of work experience
where students earn as they learn.
Many auto techs go the apprenticeship route, starting with a pre-apprenticeship
course. These courses are offered by colleges across North America and teach
students not only how to become an apprentice technician, but also how to
find a job.
The big car manufacturers, like Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, sponsor
training courses in conjunction with schools. For example, Nashville State
Technical Institute offers three associate's degree programs in automotive
service technology, in partnership with Ford, GM, Toyota-Nissan and selected
independent repair businesses.
Auto service techs must be prepared to continue to train during their careers
as new technologies enter the market.
Auto techs must have good mechanical, computer and communications skills.
They need mechanical skills in order to remove and dismantle assemblies for
visual inspection and testing. That's important if you perform periodic and
corrective maintenance on vehicles.
Auto techs also need computer skills, since they use a variety of computerized
equipment to diagnose problems in cars. They may also need to work on computers
found in the cars. As well, auto techs need good reading skills, since they
have to take information from manufacturers' charts and technical manuals.