Automotive Training
Anyone with a passion for cars can open up a whole world of career possibilities by taking part in automotive training. Collision technician, auto detailer, mechanic, fixed operations specialist, auto body estimator, and service advisor are just a few of the jobs currently available in the automotive industry. Those with automotive training work in a variety of places including car dealerships, independently owned garages or service stations, collision repair centres and body shops. Those with mechanical training may also be hired by municipalities, corporations, or police, ambulance and fire departments where they are responsible for maintaining the organization's fleet of vehicles.
To take automotive training students need to finish high school or obtain their GED, however, some programs offer training that can be started while students are still taking high school classes. The qualifications to become certified are different in each country, but usually students are required to spend a set amount of time on classroom study and an equal amount of time, or more, doing hands on training. In the United States, Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit, independent institute that is one of the leaders in certifying new automotive students. Employers and customers alike often look for ASE credentials when selecting a new mechanic or other automotive specialist. As a result, training programs in the U.S. often contain several class sessions that help students prepare for the ASE exam in their field. The Canadian Automotive Repair and Service organization (CARS) offers a similar service in Canada. Visit the CARS or ASE website to learn more about their certification options and requirements.
Work experience is a vital part of automotive training. Some training programs will provide apprenticeships along with their theory courses while others expect students to find their own work experience opportunities. When choosing automotive training look at several different companies or schools that offer training in the area that interests you. Ask questions and be certain you understand what you'll be receiving from the program before you enroll. Try to find the program that offers the most hands on experience because most employers won't be eager to hire someone whose spent more time in class than they have under the hood of a car.
Automotive training programs can be found at vocational and technical schools. A number of colleges and universities also offer four year degree programs that give students the skills necessary to take up a variety of different careers in the industry, rather than just training for one job. Online training programs that teach courses through a combination of text, streaming video, and animated diagrams are also available. The classroom study portion of most programs usually lasts anywhere from one to six months, while the time spent on work experience will vary depending on the subject matter. For most automotive training students start out taking generalized classes where they learn the basics of their field and how to work with a variety of different vehicles. As training progresses, students choose more specialized courses that deal only with foreign or domestic cars, a particular brand such as Ford or Chrysler, or a particular type of vehicle such as motorcycles or freight trucks.