Becoming Educated
Take electronics and mathematics classes. While in high school, take any classes that you can that are relevant to auto mechanic work. If there are automobile-specific classes at your school, then you should make room in your schedule for them. If not, classes focusing on mathematics and/or electronics will give you a strong foundation of knowledge.
Get a high school diploma. While there are successful auto mechanics who didn't acquire education after high school, most at least have a high school diploma. Graduating from high school will make it a lot easier to climb the ladder once you start your career.
Complete a certification or vocational program. In order to set yourself up for success, you'll need to complete some postsecondary education, such as a vocational or certification program. These programs will teach you about the basic functioning and maintenance of vehicles and their systems, and include both lecture-style and hands-on learning. The classes you'll take will cover information about engines, suspensions, transmissions, brakes, and air conditioning and heating. Some certificate options include: Intro to Automotive Technology Diesel Service Techniques Automotive Electrical Fundamentals Fuel and Emissions Systems
Get an associate's degree if you want a well-rounded education. An alternative option is to acquire an associate's degree in a relevant field. Similar to certificate programs, you'll learn both inside and outside the classroom. It may take a little longer to get than a certificate and may also cost more. However, you'll learn about much more than vehicles, and having a college degree may boost your chances of getting a job. Some associate degree options include: Advanced Transmission Diagnostics Automotive Mechanics Technology Automotive Service Management Alternative Fueled and Hybrid Vehicles To earn an associate's degree, one must first obtain a high school diploma or GED. Individual schools may also have their own requirements, including recommendations, a certain GPA, and a personal statement.
Gaining Experience and Skills
Work as an assistant, helper, or trainee. As soon as you're done with your postsecondary education, you'll likely start off at an entry level position. Apply to work in any position at car shops or dealerships where you'll get the chance to develop some skills and become experienced. This will help qualify you for better positions.
Acquire mechanical skills. If you want to be a good auto mechanic, it's vital that you're able to take apart and put back together the working parts of a machine. Use your knowledge of different parts and how they interact to work on developing your mechanical abilities. Pay close attention to the lead mechanics that you work with when they work on repairs. Politely ask any questions you have about the names or uses of different car parts or tools. Look up instructional videos on YouTube of how to make certain repairs in different types of vehicles to widen your knowledge base.
Work on your troubleshooting abilities. Auto mechanics identify and fix problems. Even if your current position doesn't put this responsibility on you, pay attention to each case and try to guess what could be wrong with each vehicle. Becoming comfortable and confident with diagnosing issues is essential. Typically when a vehicle has a problem, something in the way it feels, sounds, smells or looks is most likely wrong or off. Become more familiar with these different sounds, smells, etc. and use them to practice diagnosing.
Practice good customer service. As an auto mechanic, you'll have to communicate well with customers to explain problems, solutions, prices, and more. Practice good listening and politeness so that the customers will want to come back.
Gain physical strength and endurance. Auto mechanics often have to stand and walk for much of the day, lift heavy parts, and work in awkward positions. By heading to the gym and/or working in an auto service area for much of the day each day, you can build up the necessary strength and endurance to meet expectations and get things done. Go on long walks around your neighborhood each evening to improve your ability to walk and stand for longer periods. Do strength exercises at the gym such as bench presses, deadlifts, and squats.
Prioritize staying organized. It can be frustrating, inefficient, and expensive to misplace tools and parts in your work space. Avoid these issues by keeping all tools and parts organized.
Work on improving your dexterity. As a mechanic, you'll often be expected to work with small parts and in tight spaces. Work on developing good eye-hand coordination and keep a steady hand while working to ensure that you'll be able to handle these challenges. You can improve your dexterity by doing a variety of exercises, including squeezing a stress ball and stretching your wrists.
Getting Licensed and Certified
Pass all necessary state exams. To get licensed in the state you live in, you'll likely have to take and pass one or more certification exams. Look up your state's occupational license database online to learn what requirements apply to you. For example, this is the database for the state of Colorado: https://choosecolorado.com/occupational-license-database/.
Become certified in handling refrigerant. Since handling refrigerant can be dangerous, you'll probably have to acquire certification in order to legally work in an environment where this kind of handling is likely. You can get certified through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by taking and passing an exam. You aren't required to receive any formal training, but many trade schools and unions offer training for this exam.
Increase your salary with an ASE certification. While it isn't often required, getting certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can really help you grow and establish yourself in your career. This type of certification may qualify you to make more money. You can get certified in nine different specialized auto service areas. Some of these include: automatic transmissions, electrical systems, and engine repair.
Increase your value by getting manufacturer-specific certification. If you want to work on vehicles made by a specific manufacturer, it's in your best interest to get certification specific to that manufacturer. This will increase your likelihood of employment if you apply to work at a dealership that sells and services vehicles made by that manufacturer.
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