The educational requirements to become an automotive technician consist of going to an accredited technical school that is fitted with various asset programs …show more content…
of the specific brand of vehicles as well as having to pass several ASE certifications. Vehicle asset programs were composed to give specific knowledge and understanding of the distinct design and repair procedures for various brands of vehicles (Stava). Not only do technicians have to complete the asset program but, they also have to become ASE certified. ASE certification lends credibility to aspiring automotive technicians by testing them on the ins and outs of every vehicle. To get ASE certified the technician must complete and pass a series of different tests over various parts of the vehicle that have been grouped according to their function (Stava). From engine repair to suspension and steering components, automotive techs are required to know their vehicles like the back of their hands.
Being hired as an automotive tech comes with substantial pay and most dealerships offer comprehensive benefits. As a tech, their pay is truly determined by how much work they exerted and if they can complete their task in a timely manner and experience in the field of work. Starting pay usually starts around $63,000 a year and can advance up to $120,000. The work up put out is what you get out of it (Stava). Although dealerships pay so well many of these dealerships offer benefits such as, 401K’s and health insurance (Leaf Group). That could seem bizarre to bring so many things to the table, but technicians tend to get injured more than most because of all the physical hands-on-labor required. Technicians are well paid and offered great benefits; what more could an aspiring tech ask for?
When looking for a new job, most people will find out if they’d be working there for a long time. Job security is an important factor when it comes to choosing a career. The growth rate of automotive techs is outstanding as well as being an important working role across continents. In Texas alone there is an average growth of 13.66%, which translates to around 2100 new jobs opening every year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As the demand for cars rose, the demand for these cars to be fixed will rise, from 2012 to 2024 120,000 new job opportunities will emerge (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). If the numbers aren’t convincing enough, automotive techs can be sure that they will be guaranteed a job. After all, there’s always going to be some form of transportation that needs to be worked on. (Pros & Cons of Auto Mechanics)
As an Automotive tech there are very simple seeming procedures utilized in this career path, as well as staying up-to-date with technology.
The steps to repairing a vehicle consist of hearing the owners concern, diagnosing the problem, and repairing the issue (Ferguson's Career Guidance Center). Although these appear to be straightforward these steps, each one of these have a chance for human errors to complicate and prolong the process. For instance, if the owner isn’t very descriptive or doesn’t exactly know the right way to explain what going on. Its things like that which make this job more difficult than it should be. Technicians must always say informed when it comes to new technologies (Ferguson's Career Guidance Center). Technology in vehicles change so frequently that it could be quick difficult to keep up with all the drastic change. These change could be engine modifications to user interface
changes.
Technicians, just like any other career, have ways to advance up the corporate ladder. Travel opportunities are very scares, but could be considered an amazing deal to others. Job advancement for technician mostly differ depending on years the of experience and will typically affect your salary (Stava). Getting ASE certified will also affect how much you get paid and what jobs you’ll be working on. As a Tech there aren’t many opportunities to travel, but if the tech needs to move to a different city or state that tech can transfer to any other corresponding dealership that they’d prefer (Stava).
In conclusion, an automotive technician may not be the most glamorous career path, but without them the world would still be in the stone age as far as transportation goes. Automotive techs learn the ins and outs of their vehicles and essentially play the role of doctor to mankind’s favored machine. While they may not get to travel all over the world, this job will always be growing like no other for the reason that everyone needs a mechanic. After all, who wants to spend hours trying to diagnose the problems with their car when they can just take it down to the garage and have a professional get under the hood.
Work Cited
"Mechanic Schools & Careers | How to Become a Mechanic." How to Become. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
"Test Series." Test Series - ASE. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
"Automotive Technician Salary." Automotive Technician Salary. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
Writer, Leaf Group. "Benefits for Auto Mechanics." Chron.com. Chron.com, 03 July 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
"Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
Writer, Leaf Group. "Pros & Cons of Auto Mechanics." Chron.com. Chron.com, 12 Dec. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
"Ferguson's Career Guidance Center." Ferguson's Career Guidance Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.