Education Required To Be an Automotive Technician

Automotive technicians learn through hands-on training labs.

Automotive technicians repair and maintain cars for automobile owners. The education requirements for automotive technicians vary by employer, but many employers require some level of formal training in addition to the completion of a high school diploma. The increasingly sophisticated nature of automotive technology has made it difficult for technicians to work in this field without some professional education.

High School

While many automotive technicians are mechanically inclined and learn through informal education, formal education has become a mainstay in the automotive repair industry. Some technicians complete their training while in high school. Some high schools have ties to vocational schools that provide this training, or they have their own formal training programs. Schools that collaborate with technical schools may do so through the Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES), a program certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This type of training is perfect for entry-level positions in the field.

Technical School

A certificate or diploma from a technical school following high school can also launch a career in automotive technology. These programs typically take six months to one year to complete and include a combination of intensive classroom training and hands-on instruction working on real automotive repair tasks in an automotive shop setting. Areas of study can include such subjects as manufacturing materials, power train management technology, braking systems and engine rebuilding, along with basic courses in science and math.

Community/Technical College

Many community colleges have programs in automotive technology that lead to a diploma or an associate degree. The typical associate degree obtained is the Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology or the Associate in Science. These programs take about two years to complete and require students to take courses in science, math, English and communications in conjunction with their automotive training. Community colleges often have flexible scheduling options, allowing students to take day or evening classes.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Although less common, it is possible to pursue a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering technology. A four-year degree is not typically required for an entry-level career in this field. Bachelor's degrees can better prepare automotive technicians for positions of leadership within the industry. Because these programs emphasize the engineering aspect of automotive technology, graduates can go on to pursue more lucrative careers in the automotive technology industry.

References

• EducationPortal: Automotive Mechanic: Educational Requirements for a Career in Auto Mechanics and Repair Technology
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• New England Institute of Technology: Automotive Technology
• Ferris State University: Automotive Engineering Technology Degree
• Madison Area Technical College: Automotive Technician