Find courses in auto mechanics that lead to ASE-certification.
Cars, cars, cars. If you're stuck in traffic gridlock, you may wonder why Americans are such happy automobile owners. Americans are historically infatuated with their automobiles to the extent that the car is a "fixture of American culture," notes EyeWitness to History. Notions of public transportation and green issues have often met with public lack of cooperation. As the "New York Times" reported in 2009, "convincing people to give up their cars is often an uphill run." But today's cars are different from the early models and auto mechanics must take extensive coursework to stay current with rapidly changing automobile technology.
Job Function
Some people seem to have an innate knowledge of and desire to work on cars, and a job as an auto mechanic is a natural progression for them.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes the job of auto mechanic as someone who is trained to "inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels, such as ethanol." At one time, the job was much simpler than today, as auto mechanics often made simple repairs and performed routine vehicle maintenance. But the modern-day mechanic, due to the highly complex nature of 21st Century vehicles, with computers and highly evolved electronic technology, must know do the simple repairs and work with shop computers and digital diagnostic equipment. Therefore, a good auto mechanic has often had years of auto mechanic courses. In addition, since the technology changes so rapidly, the mechanic must constantly attend refresher and continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing technology.
Mechanic Training
Auto mechanics is a field for everyone.
Thousands of technical, vocational and trade schools and community colleges offer auto mechanic courses. However, the BLS reports that you should only look for programs that prepare you to earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Most automotive repair shops require that you have a certain number of these certifications, which differ from state to state. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation is the organization that qualifies schools to offer certifications. In addition, after training, you need to complete an internship or apprenticeship program with a certified auto mechanic shop, so look for a school that has existing partnerships with highly regarded area automotive shops.
Essential Coursework
Customer service skills are essential for an effective automotive mechanic.
Any auto mechanic program worthy of investigation should offer significant training in the fields of: basic-to-advanced auto repair and technology; engines; heating and cooling; computer systems and technology; ignition systems; fuel and fuel systems; lubrication; brakes and suspension; and wheel alignment and suspension techniques. In addition, you should take business classes to prepare you for dealing with the business aspect of working for, and working at, a shop. Qualified schools often require courses in English, mathematics, physics and chemistry. In addition, a well-trained auto mechanic must know diagnose engine and general automobile problems, so your education should provide you with a background in diagnostic computer testing. Another essential element of training is customer service as mechanics are often required to deal directly with customers. Consumers are often not pleasant when they have car problems, so the ability to deal with a wide variety of personalities and emotions is an essential skill.
Certification Options
You must learn to perform diagnostic testing on automobile engine components.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization, suggests that auto mechanics attain certification to become an ASE-certified master technician, often called a master mechanic. To obtain the first level of certification, the potential mechanic must take tests that cover all the major areas of technical automobile repair and service. The test is offered in May and November, and you are required to pass at least one of the exams to become certified. If you pass an entire battery of eight exams in areas such as engine performance, engine repair, brakes, heating and cooling, electrical and electronic systems, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission and suspension and steering, and have the required two-years' experience, you obtain the master technician title. The tests are administered by industry experts, and you are required to retest every five years to keep your master technician status.
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