Automotive and Diesel Technician |
Who Are Automotive Technicians?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Automotive Technicians Do Automotive technicians’ and diesel mechanics’ inspect cars or trucks to determine if any part of the vehicle is malfunctioning. If there are problems with a part the auto or diesel tech will either repair that part if possible or replace it if it is broken. Technology in cars is increasing so computer diagnostic equipment is often used by the auto tech or diesel mechanic when working on parts with electronic components. Routine tasks performed by an automotive and diesel technician include inspections, engine oil changes and repairing or replacing worn parts like belts, hoses, plugs, brake and fuel systems. Automotive Technician Training Employers prefer that automotive technicians and diesel techs complete an auto tech training program at a post secondary school, vocational institute, technical college or auto tech training school. Job candidates with this formal car technician qualification have an edge when applying for positions. Automotive technician training programs at postsecondary auto tech schools prepare future auto techs and diesel technicians with an intensive combination of classroom instruction and practical hands-on experience. Good auto tech schools keep their automotive technician training and diesel technician programs up to date to keep pace with changing technology and equipment. Auto technician qualification and training generally takes 6 months to a year based on the hours a student attends. Community college programs usually award an auto tech certificate or an associate degree. Some students earn auto tech certificates in a specific part of auto repair. Automotive Technician Certification Automotive technicians and diesel techs seeking often seek ASE certification to demonstrate an auto and diesel tech’s skill and aptitude in their field. ASE certification is not mandatory but it has become a common auto tech certificate. Candidates for car technician qualification can receive an auto tech certificate in 8 different areas. These categories of car technician qualification include electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning. For each certification the auto and diesel tech must have at least 2 years of experience and pass the examination. Being certified in multiple services enables technicians to increase their experience and pay. Automotive Technician Job Prospects The jobs market for automotive service technicians and diesel mechanics is stable and growing, especially for those that complete auto tech school and pass certification. Most auto and diesel technicians worked for repair and service shops, tire stores, car dealers, auto parts stores, car rental and leasing companies, trucking and freight companies and in Federal, State, and local government car pools. Experienced technicians earn promotions to administrative and management positions. Those with enough resources often open their own repair shops or independent businesses. Automotive Technician Job Security and Salary The Bureau of Labor estimates that jobs for automotive service technicians and diesel techs will continue to increase 14 percent over the next decade. There is a particularly high demand for auto techs with formal auto tech school training because employers are having problems filling positions with workers with the right skills. People without formal auto tech training face stiff competition for entry level jobs. Salaries for auto techs and diesel mechanics range from $21,000 to $57,000. |