In the old days, almost anyone could fix a car. You just popped the hood and everything was right there: the spark plugs, belts, radiator, oil pump, and other engine components were in plain sight. Cars were simple and easy to repair, and you could spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon getting the old Chevy Camaro to purr like a kitten.

Not any longer! Today’s cars have computers and sophisticated power systems including flex-fuels and gas-electric hybrids. Open the hood and you might not see much that the layman would recognize. Not many people can fix their own cars these days because vehicles are just too complex. They have to bring their car to a qualified technician.

Auto service technicians must have a broad knowledge of the design and interaction of vehicles’ increasingly complex components. They must be able to work with both old-fashioned hand tools and advanced electronic diagnostic equipment. They must be able to quickly learn new technologies and keep up with the rapid rate of change in the auto industry.

This could be good news for you! If you are a qualified auto, truck, or diesel technician, you may have excellent career prospects. According to the U.S. government, from 2006 through 2016 automotive service technician and mechanic jobs are projected to grow faster than average for all occupations.

Total job openings should be significantly larger because of overall employment growth, and because many skilled technicians are expected to retire. Job opportunities for auto technicians and mechanics are expected to be very good for those who complete postsecondary automotive training programs and who earn ASE certification.*

But you can’t just walk into a career as an auto service technician. Getting the right training can be important. Even for entry-level jobs, certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has become a standard credential for automotive service technicians. To prepare for certification, many training authorities recommend that students complete a formal training program in high school or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college.

You may want to start out with a service specialty. Certification can be obtained in eight different areas of automotive service, including engine repair, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical systems, and heating and air-conditioning. Once you’ve launched your career, you may find that employers often send their technicians to manufacturer-sponsored technician training programs to improve or maintain their skills. Sometimes technicians focus on one brand of automobile or truck. Manufacturers also send experts to visit repair shops to provide brand-specific training.

The bottom line is that the more you have to offer, the better prospects you will have. Training may be a big part of getting ahead. Many schools offer flexible schedules, financial aid for those who qualify, and even career guidance services. Check out the career colleges and technical training schools on Education-For-Careers, and find one that works for you.
 
* U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.