Take your mechanic skills to the next level and start doing what you love for a living!
If your car or truck has ever broken down, you probably know the value of a good mechanic. So, what does it take to become a mechanic these days? Good problem-solving skills, strong eyesight, and manual dexterity to be sure. But one must also understand physics, mathematics, engineering, and mechanics.
Familiarity with computer technology is a major asset, and you need to be able to decipher diagrams and manuals (even when they’re not in English). This is why formal training is strongly recommended for professionals in the field. Although not always mandatory, an associate’s degree or higher can help expose you to all of the above.
This formal education will also make you more attractive to employers. The days of fix-it-yourself are dead. The engines, motors, and appliances of today increasingly rely on a level of technology that was unimaginable when the first DIY books hit the scene.
This is frustrating news for the average consumer, but it’s great news for mechanics! That’s because they have the skills and training to fix the widgets of the world. What’s more, these skills and training remain relevant regardless of how the economy is doing.
A weak economy means that more people want to keep what they have instead of getting brand-new vehicles. This helps explain why the US Department of Labor predicts faster-than-average growth for certain types of mechanics. You’ll be one of those rare individuals who can DIY 😉.
Smart Career Move for a Slow Economy
When money is tight, people tend to hold onto appliances and vehicles t a little longer. When money flows freely, people tend to consume, consume, consume. As a mechanic, either scenario is great news.
Older equipment means more repairs. Lots of equipment means more repairs.
This might be why experts predict that auto mechanics, for example, will enjoy faster-than-average job growth in a slow economy. You never imagined that a degree from mechanic school could prepare you for a recession-resistant career, did you?
Why Mechanics Have It So Good
The days of “fix-it-yourself” books are quickly fading as everything from toasters to TVs to family vans become more sophisticated. Average homeowners can’t just take out their tools and lift up the hood. Instead, they must rely on professionals with the training, knowledge, and skills necessary to navigate complex circuitry, foreign language manuals, and computer technology.
After just 2 years of formal training at a vocational mechanic school, you could be such a professional. You would understand the mathematics, engineering, physics, electronics, IT, and mechanics behind today’s modern vehicles and appliances. And these skills would only become more relevant as the gap between the average user and certified mechanic continues to widen.
Mechanic School as Your Next Step
Although not necessarily required for all positions, mechanic school is strongly recommended for those who don’t have advanced knowledge in the field already. Formal education will also prepare you for certification and licensing.
Neither of these is required either, but every additional qualification makes you a more attractive employment prospect down the road. This, in turn, can also boost your salary potential as well. Suffice it to say that formal training at a mechanic school is a great way to open doors, regardless of how the economy is doing.
Here are the top 5 reasons to become a mechanic:
1. Demand for Mechanics
Employment opportunities for mechanics are always on the rise! The increasing number of multi-car families and a large number of retiring mechanics are partially responsible for this demand.
The fact is that cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes need maintenance to be safe and if they break, who do owners go and see?
2. Financial Rewards
Mechanics earn above the national average:
- Entry level pay ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year
- Mid-range pay is from $35,000 to $45,000 per year
- Experienced pay ranges from $45,000 to $55,000 per year
3. Security
You can expect steady work even through slumps in the economy. In general, changes in the economy have little effect on the automotive service and repair industry.
4. Opportunity
Many technical and trade schools are partnered with employers who sponsor students in return for an employment commitment. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in internships with car dealerships or service centers.
Most employers, including renowned automobile manufacturers, are interested in your professional growth and will offer opportunities for continued training and certification.
5. Skills
A big bonus will be that you’ll have the expertise and experience to maintain and repair your own vehicle. This will allow you to avoid unneeded stress when your car needs a tune-up.
In today’s world, few possess these skills, which will make you part of an essential group of skilled professionals.
What does it take to become a mechanic?
Whether your skill is intuitive, honed by experience or you require formal training, an in-depth understanding of the advanced technology in automobiles today can introduce more professional opportunities.
Today’s mechanics should possess the following:
- Thorough knowledge of systems and components
- Computer proficiency
- Communication skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
Certification is not required to get hired as a mechanic, but it can lead to more career advancement and better pay. Mechanics diagnose problems and repair engines and components.
Taking any or all of these five steps can teach you how to be a mechanic and put you on the path to a promising career:
- Take advantage of high school vocational programs in automotive repair and electrical trades.
- Seek an apprenticeship. For most last two years.
- Find programs specifically designed for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
- Complete a post-secondary certificate program or an associate degree at a local community college or technical school. These programs are usually six to 12 months in duration.
- Be sure to list any certifications or experience you have on the resumes and applications you submit.
Auto mechanics earned a mean, annual wage of $35,200 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Bus and diesel truck mechanics working for local government agencies earned a mean of $48,530 for the same year. Small engine mechanics, such as motorcycle mechanics earned an annual salary of $49,160.
According to the BLS, employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018. With a healthy job market and solid wages, now is the time to rev your engines and “Go!” for this promising career.
