Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty and working on cars? Are you a master at solving problems? If any of this sounds like you, then you might want to consider turning that into a career.
Making it a Career
Professionals who work in vehicle repair and maintenance will diagnose a variety of issues and then find solutions that will keep trucks and cars in good working order. If you make the choice to pursue a career in this field, you will find yourself working with a variety of different types of mechanical tools and even with computer equipment. You might find yourself test driving different vehicles, or specializing in parts like duramax injectors, or even rebuilding vehicle parts.
Specializations
Repairs and maintenance are a necessity for both the outside and the inside of cars and trucks. Mechanics will tend to focus on first diagnosing and then repairing electrical and mechanical components in a vehicle. Some of the specialties in this field include transmission repair, brakes, and air conditioning repair. Then you have the auto body repair techs. These people will reshape and even create entirely new metal pieces that will fix or be used to replace parts of the body of the car that have been damaged. Specialties in this area include fixing or focusing on specific parts of the car, such as the frame of the vehicle or the doors.
Employment
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that job growth in this field from 2014–2024 will be at about 5%, which is as fast as the average. In 2015, the median pay was at $37,850 per year, or $18.20 per hour. You can get a job in this field by obtaining a post secondary non – degree award and usually there will be some sort of on the job training. In 2014, there were 739,900 jobs for this category and the projected growth forecasts that number growing by 39,100 jobs. Mechanics who make higher salaries than the median will include repair managers and supervisors. The thing is, when you have enough experience, along with the capital for it, you can open your own shop.
Training and or Education
Most people who employ repair and maintenance techs will require applicants to have a minimum of a high school degree. However, because of the newer vehicles becoming more and more complex, having completed post secondary training is becoming more of a demand. The more formal types of training programs will be able to provide you with experience of the hands on type, as well as lessons in the classroom. You might even have the opportunity to work in a professional setting like a car dealership if you have enrolled in an associate degree program for vehicle repair. Also, if you are interested in working with the mechanical parts on a vehicle, you will have the opportunity to take courses for things like heating and air conditioning systems, brake, systems, and electrical systems. When it comes to repair programs for the body of vehicles, you can find courses in plastics, welding, and painting preparation.
Certifications
Degree programs for automotive repair will also prepare you for the ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) exam. This type of certification is actually available for 8 different areas when it comes to automotive repair. If you manage to pass each of the 8 exams, you will become a certified Master Automotive Technician. While these certifications are not a requirement when it comes to obtaining a position in automotive repair, they are becoming more and more commonly seen and they will play a huge role in increasing your value to any employer.
One Last Thing
Did you know that women and some men tend to be attracted to men who have the ability to fix cars, too? It is seen to be a skill that will ensure that they are taken care of, and that is always a good thing. Also, having someone who can repair your vehicle can save you loads of money since you won’t need to take your car to a shop to get the tire changed, an oil change, tune up, or any other type of scheduled maintenance.
