Position Profile
Automotive Service Technician
Some of the Facts
Automotive Service Technicians Are Essential
Auto Mechanics is a well established trade that has been an important part of our society for over 100 years. One of the most exciting things about this trade is how quickly it has evolved and how often advancements are made. In the past, just about anyone could pop open the hood of their car and make their own repairs but the electrical systems, electronics, and advanced engines in today’s vehicles make that almost impossible.
To be successful as Automotive Service Technicians today requires extensive training and years of experience. When you combine this with the fact that we have more cars on the road than ever and more technicians reaching retirement age, it means this is a trade that will continue to have huge demand.
Qualified Auto Techs are always in demand, have incredible job security, as well as excellent career growth opportunities.
A Career With Variety
WhERE Auto Techs Work
How To Become An
Auto Mechanic
Start a Rewarding Career as An
Auto Mechanic
The best way to become an Automotive Service Technician is through a formal apprenticeship. Working under a Journeyman who can show you the ropes will ensure that you develop the skills and experience required to be successful.
It can be hard to sign on as an Apprentice and most shops are reluctant to take on someone with no experience. To get around this, attend a reputable Trade School in your area. Most schools offer a hands on program that will teach you the basics and the principles/theory behind mechanics. This way, when you start with a company you already have that base knowledge.
Also, many employers recruit directly from trade schools and your instructors can help you land your first job.
There Are Many Good Trade Schools
Rockstar Recommendations
Certification/Training
Collect As Many Certifications and Licenses As Possible
A Certification or License is only a piece of paper but it signifies so much more. It indicates to employers that you take the trade seriously and that you know what you are doing.
Every single training program that you take will make you more valuable. The more valuable you are the higher your base wage will be and the more opportunities that will be available for promotion.
Attitude Is As Important as Training
The trade is difficult, it takes time to learn, no one is going to be an expert over night. Be patient and come in every day with an attitude to learn.
- No Whining
- Ask For Help
- Take Training
- Be On Time
- Stay Until The Job Is Done
- Help Others
Career Path Options
For a lot of Technicians, getting out of the shop and working in the field can be a great change. This involves operating out of a service truck and performing repairs and maintenance at a customer site. Mobile Mechanics typically are more experienced as they need to be able to diagnose and repair independently.
Becoming an Instructor at a trade school can be a great way to give back to the trade and help new technicians develop. It can also be a great way for experienced technicians who need to get off the tools to continue their career.
Alternatively, most major manufacturers hire technicians to conduct OEM Training at dealer locations.
While management is not for everyone, many techs are able to climb the ladder into supervisory and management roles. These are challenging positions but can be very rewarding.
Wrenching is a very physically demanding job, many technicians chose to move into a parts or service admin role later in their career. This is a great way to use the knowledge they have gained while taking on a less physically demanding role.
The lessons learned as a tech can translate into a trustworthy and reliable sales rep. While not all technicians will enjoy sales there are some that love talking about the ins and outs of trucks and they typically can go on to a career in sales.