How to Start a Career in Auto Mechanics
As modern vehicles have become more sophisticated, the demands on the auto mechanic have changed over time. It is no longer just a matter of opening a hood and tinkering with the engine, since the implementation of computer-controlled operating systems have made car engines more complex to work on. In addition to mechanical ability, today's mechanic also needs a strong educational background to meet the requirements of the job.
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Things You'll Need
- ASE certification Two-year college degree in auto mechanics or certification from a vocational school
Instructions
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Learn the day-to-day functions of an auto mechanic. Knowledge can by gained from working part-time in a repair garage or shadowing a mechanic as he goes about his daily duties.
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Begin the educational process. Take any available auto shop classes in school, and take an educational curriculum with a heavy concentration in English, math, and electronics, the latter of which is important due to the number of sophisticated computer systems installed on today's autos, and the need to be able to perform computerized diagnostic testing.
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Begin formal educational training. While completing a program offered by a vocational school is beneficial, an associate degree in auto mechanics will make you more attractive to potential employers because the program will also offer coursework in English, communications and math.
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Obtain auto service excellence (ASE) certification. Many repair shops and car dealerships now require this certification for entry-level mechanics. For information on how and where to obtain certification, visit ase.com (see Resources).
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Develop strong people skills. Much of a mechanic's job includes providing information about necessary repairs to customers, so it is important to be able to communicate in a clear, concise and friendly manner. An auto repair can be an expensive proposition, so being able to build trust with paying customers is essential.
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