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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance pathway.

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The best place to start your auto racing mechanic career is in high school auto shop. While in high school, look for job opportunities at local garages, as well. Garages can be great places to learn what more experienced mechanics have to offer.

Many post-secondary schools offer programs in mechanics. However, it can be difficult to find a program that specializes in auto racing mechanics.

Some mechanics have trade certification, though it's not required. To get certified, students must complete a two-year automotive program at a community college, or a two-year associate's degree program sponsored by an auto manufacturer.

Mechanics get certified in at least one of eight service areas, such as suspension and steering, engine repair, electrical systems or heating and air conditioning. Master automotive mechanics are certified in all eight areas. Certification involves two years of experience and a written test, which must be retaken every five years. (A comparable program in high school, trade school or college can be substituted for one of the required years of experience.)

Don't focus solely on auto racing mechanics and neglect other areas of your education, advises Robert Kaminski. Kaminski owns a racing school in Florida.

"The more prepared for life a person is, the better their opportunities will be," he says. "A well-rounded education, including good math skills, science and English, including good communicating skills, is important to compete with other applicants searching the same careers. When an interview is offered, interviewers look at well-prepared resumes, your personal appearance and how you present yourself. Are you marketable? Do you have good decision-making skills? Are you trainable?"

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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