Automotive
service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks
that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol.
Automotive service technicians’ and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved
from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The
increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use
computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while
maintaining their skills with traditional handtools. As a result, automotive
service workers are now usually called technicians rather than mechanics.
(Service technicians who work on diesel-powered trucks, buses, and equipment are
discussed in the Handbook section on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Motorcycle technicians—who repair and service motorcycles, motor scooters,
mopeds, and small all-terrain vehicles—are discussed in the Handbook section on
small engine mechanics.)
Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles
and their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly
broad knowledge of how vehicles’ complex components work and interact. They also
must be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals
and reference materials.
Work Environment
While most automotive service technicians
worked a standard 40 hour week in 2006, 30 percent worked longer hours. Some may
work evenings and weekends to satisfy customer service needs. Generally, service
technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and -lighted repair shops. However,
some shops are drafty and noisy. Although many problems can be fixed with simple
computerized adjustments, technicians frequently work with dirty and greasy
parts, and in awkward positions. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor
cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but technicians can usually avoid serious
accidents if safe practices are observed.
Education and Training
Most
employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in
automotive service technology as the best preparation for trainee positions.
High school programs, while an asset, vary greatly in scope. Graduates of these
programs may need further training to become qualified. Some of the more
extensive high school programs participate in Automotive Youth Education Service
(AYES), a partnership between high school automotive repair programs, automotive
manufacturers, and franchised automotive dealers. All AYES high school programs
are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Students who complete these programs are well prepared to enter entry-level
technician positions or to advance their technical education. Courses in
automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and
mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service
technician.
Postsecondary automotive technician training programs usually provide
intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and
hands-on practice. Schools update their curriculums frequently to reflect
changing technology and equipment. Some trade and technical school programs
provide concentrated training for 6 months to a year, depending on how many
hours the student attends each week, and award a certificate. Community college
programs usually award a certificate or an associate degree. Some students earn
repair certificates in a particular skill and leave to begin their careers.
Associate degree programs, however, usually take 2 years to complete and include
classes in English, basic mathematics, computers, and other subjects, as well as
automotive repair. Recently, some programs have added classes on customer
service, stress management, and other employability skills. Some formal training
programs have alliances with tool manufacturers that help entry-level
technicians accumulate tools during their training period.
Employment
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
held about 773,000 jobs in 2006. Automotive repair and maintenance shops and
automotive dealers employed the majority of these workers—29 percent each. In
addition, automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores employed 7 percent of
automotive service technicians. Others worked in gasoline stations; general
merchandise stores; automotive equipment rental and leasing companies; Federal,
State, and local governments; and other organizations. Almost 17 percent of
service technicians were self-employed, more than twice the proportion for all
installation, maintenance, and repair occupations.
Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department
of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition,
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos181.htm
(visited January 14, 2008).
Automotive
service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks
that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol.
Automotive service technicians’ and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved
from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The
increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use
computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while
maintaining their skills with traditional handtools. As a result, automotive
service workers are now usually called technicians rather than mechanics.
(Service technicians who work on diesel-powered trucks, buses, and equipment are
discussed in the Handbook section on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Motorcycle technicians—who repair and service motorcycles, motor scooters,
mopeds, and small all-terrain vehicles—are discussed in the Handbook section on
small engine mechanics.)
Most
employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in
automotive service technology as the best preparation for trainee positions.
High school programs, while an asset, vary greatly in scope. Graduates of these
programs may need further training to become qualified. Some of the more
extensive high school programs participate in Automotive Youth Education Service
(AYES), a partnership between high school automotive repair programs, automotive
manufacturers, and franchised automotive dealers. All AYES high school programs
are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Students who complete these programs are well prepared to enter entry-level
technician positions or to advance their technical education. Courses in
automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and
mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service
technician. 
Postsecondary automotive technician training programs usually provide
intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and
hands-on practice. Schools update their curriculums frequently to reflect
changing technology and equipment. Some trade and technical school programs
provide concentrated training for 6 months to a year, depending on how many
hours the student attends each week, and award a certificate. Community college
programs usually award a certificate or an associate degree. Some students earn
repair certificates in a particular skill and leave to begin their careers.
Associate degree programs, however, usually take 2 years to complete and include
classes in English, basic mathematics, computers, and other subjects, as well as
automotive repair. Recently, some programs have added classes on customer
service, stress management, and other employability skills. Some formal training
programs have alliances with tool manufacturers that help entry-level
technicians accumulate tools during their training period.