Automotive Career Help Desk

Student and professionals on March 10th, there will be a career fair for Collision Repair Education Foundation in Orlando Fla.

For more details follow this link: http://www.bodyshopbusiness.com/collision-repair-education-foundation-to-hold-orlando-area-career-fair-march-10th/

Tips From Hiring Manager

The hiring tips below are from an interview with a Service Manager in a large auto dealership in the NYC area that was conducted on Jan 18.

1. What is the career starting point, for people with little automotive experience? Candidates are required to have practical experience in one or more service/repair related areas to start automotive technician career. A good starting point for someone with no practical or theoretical experience would be acquiring an entry-level technician position with a ‘quick lube’ service station. These jobs provide formal automotive technician training in general maintenance (oil change, fluid checks, fuses, tire pressure, filters, etc) and give candidates exposure to the auto service environment. This is also a good opportunity to become familiar with and begin purchasing the tools needed to perform the job. Technicians need to own their own tools before job hunting.

2. How much training is required for an entry level automotive technician position? Vocational (HS) or Post Secondary Education? High School Vocational training offers both classroom and practical experience (lab) and is enough to get hired as a Service Technician apprentice or assistant. Repair shops and dealers prefer candidates with post secondary education. Community Colleges and Technical Training Schools offer 6-24 month technician certificate and automotive degree programs tailored to provide classroom and hands on training in auto diagnosing, maintenance, and repair.

3. Is there any special licensing required to get hired as auto technician or is licensing optional, (ASE Certification)? Licensing is not required to ‘get hired’. ASE is a nationally recognized professional certification group that offers auto technicians certification testing in 9 service areas, (Engine Repair, Auto Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Train/Axles, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance, & Light Vehicle Diesel Engines). Technicians need to have 2 years of practical and/or educational experience to test. Techs that complete and pass all 9 exams reach ‘Master Technician’ status. ASE certifications are great resume builders but hiring managers prefer candidates with more hands on experience. Technicians train regularly on new technology and repair methods throughout the year. The typical training calendar for a service technician includes up to 2-3 training courses per year.

4. What are some other Auto-technician careers/jobs currently in high demand? Right now there’s a big demand for Light & Heavy Vehicle Diesel Technicians but basically any experienced Service & Repair Technician can quickly find employment anywhere in the US.

5. Is it better to apply at Auto Dealer service centers or with reputable local auto repair shops? Local shops are better because they expose candidates to different makes/models. Dealers are union jobs and are equipped, licensed, and trained to work on their own vehicles.

6. In your opinion.. what other non related technical qualities, experience, and/or skills do employers look for in potential applicants (Soft Skills)? Candidates need to show Interest, determination, and a strong desire to succeed in their craft. A work history showing extensive practical experience is always preferred but under qualified applicants are often given entry level opportunities as technician assistants. Candidates that are attentive, ask questions, and take good direction are most successful. Attitude gets you the job!!

The students in this article took and passed industry ASE certifications without the 2 year experience requirement. I would be interested in doing that if theres anyway I can have the 2 yr prerequisite waived. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/joliet-romeoville/community/chi-ugc-article-jchs-students-receive-ase-student-certificati-2016-02-02-story.html

This article of a small business in Ft. Wayne, IN is a perfect example of local small business investing in their communities. These apprenticeship candidates will more than likely remain in their communities and expand the economic development with new business. Something to think about when we consider presidential candidates during the upcoming elections! http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/Church-affiliated-garage-helps-those-who-can-t-afford-car-repairs

"Cross, 67, is the general manager of Joe Myers Ford-Lincoln in Houston. But to the store's 200 employees, her everyday title is Momma. The moniker is spot on, not sexist, she says.

"Momma's not just someone who gives. Momma's someone who gets," quips Cross with her sharp wit and native Texas drawl."

Continue reading at https://www.autonews.com/article/20160124/RETAIL07/301259996/momma-keeps-dealerships-workers-in-line

General Motors today announced an innovative pilot internship program aimed at women who are interested in returning to the workforce after a two or more year career break.

http://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/gm-launches-career-re-entry-internship-program/

I have previous experience in oil change centers and also worked as an assistant at a auto repair shop a few years back but never stuck to it. Retail and customer service jobs don’t pay the bills so I considering getting back into the auto repair/service field. I don’t have any formal training or certificates and I really want to avoid going back to school. Thought I would reach out to other users on this site for suggestions. Thanks.

I don’t have any experience in this area but I’d like to pursue an auto repair career if I can find a program tailored for working adults like the one in this article (http://www.wnc.edu/news/2016-01-20b.php). Attending school F/T is not an option for me but I’m still very interested in finding a way to learn new skills and eventually land a better job to support my family.

Hello there, I am interested in becoming an auto technician. I am good with my hands and I usually fix my own car, motorcycle and stuff around the house. I high school diploma and for the last 5-6 years I have being working as a line cook.

Any advice where should I start? Should I go back to school? Should I look for an apprenticeship?