If you enjoy facing a variety of challenges, love taking things apart and putting them back together, or are in search of a career that is more than just a paycheck, the automotive industry could be just the right fit. Tap into your problem-solving and technical strengths with a rewarding career in an industry with high demand.
Automotive technicians, also referred to as automotive mechanics, are able to work with their hands, discover and solve problems, and have the opportunity to help people every day in a technologically advanced and growing market. Rosedale Technical College has the instructors and training that can help give you the edge in this career path! Take a look at our outline of this program to see if it might be the right path for you.
Automotive technicians need to know the basics of a vehicle’s inner workings. Once you pop the hood of a car, technicians should understand how each part of that puzzle works. When you have background knowledge, you can better understand how to diagnose problems and where to look for them.
An automotive technician inspects, repairs, and maintains all types of vehicles. Some may even specialize in certain parts of a car like transmissions, engines, or brakes. Your education in automotive mechanics will lay a solid foundation for a career path with boundless opportunities. Many students who graduate from Rosedale Tech begin working in either an independent garage or an automotive dealership. The next steps may include job advancement within the garage or dealership, moving into a service or fleet manager, sales or customer service representative, an instructor, and more. Many of our automotive graduates have become self-employed and have opened their own shops or have created online digital training platforms, such as two of our alumni ScannerDanner and Eric The Car Guy.
What Do Automotive Technicians Do?
As an automotive technician, your responsibilities may include:
- Running diagnostic tests on all types of vehicles (electric, hybrid, and diesel).
- Completing preventative maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire
- Providing customers with car care
- Following an inspection
- Taking calls, making appointments, and building trust with
- Following state laws in regard to emissions, safety, and standard
Automotive technicians work with a variety of different vehicles and must be able to identify and work with many working parts. Part of their specialized technological training includes using tools like engine performance bays, balancers, scan tools, diagnostic tools, and many types of mechanical tools.
Automotive technicians require a basic level of mechanical knowledge as well as a high school diploma for most, if not all, positions. Additional certifications, as well as an associate’s degree or diploma, may also be required. The level of education required depends on the type of work you do or the company you apply to.
Qualifications you can get include:
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification
- Become a Master Automobile Technician through ASE exams
- An associate’s degree in Applied Sciences (AAS) in automotive maintenance
- Brand-specific certification
- State-required licensing for inspection or emissions technicians
At Rosedale Tech our instructors are all ASE certified and our automotive students are trained and have the opportunity to become PA State inspection and emissions technicians.
What Is The Job Outlook Like for Automotive Technicians?
For automotive technicians, the job outlook has stayed positive the past few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there were over 770,100 technicians and mechanics employed in 2018. With the rise in new technologies and electric vehicles, technicians who have modern skills may be more in demand in the coming years.
As the demand for skilled automotive technicians continues to rise, many employers and manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and offering incentive programs that include benefits, such as partial or full tuition reimbursement, tool credits, signing bonuses, and more.
Recently, Rosedale Tech launched a certification program with Mazda where students have the opportunity to complete additional certification training exclusive to Mazda, that results in a senior technician title upon completion, employment at a participating Mazda dealership, grant funding, a tool credit, tuition reimbursement, and more. This program is optional for students to participate in outside of the current Rosedale Tech curriculum and certain benchmarks must be achieved to be eligible.
Find A Career That Brings You Satisfaction
If you find yourself yearning for a job that allows you to work with your hands, learn new skills, and that can help real customers, automotive technology could be for you. Becoming one requires practice, experience, and technical skills. If you are interested in learning more, check out Rosedale Tech’s automotive technology programs. We strive to offer our students the best in training, equipment, and instruction. The program is 16 months and offered during the day Monday-Friday, 8 am to 2 pm. In August 2021, this will change to Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am to 3: pm.
Contact us today to learn more!
*Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Rosedale Tech is a nonprofit Equal Opportunity Educational Institution and Employer, ACCSC Accredited Institution, and ASEEF Certified.