Automotive mechanics are responsible for repairing and servicing trucks, buses, and cars. They are also responsible for performing some routine maintenance to reduce the chances of future breakdown.
Diagnosing each automotive problem accurately and quickly requires analytical capability. It also needs a comprehensive acquaintance with the electronic and mechanical system and competency with an assortment of different electronic tools like computers and infrared engine analyzers. Most automotive mechanics take into account identifying hard to find issues to be their most satisfying and challenging duties.
After coming across the starting point of the breakdowns, automotive mechanics often are required to repair or replace faulty parts. Some of them can also have specializations in specific types of repairs including both transmission and electrical problems. They, typically, are employed in particular service shops.
Companies give preference to candidates who have completed their graduation. Study in computer skills, science, automobile maintenance, mechanical drawing, mathematics and metal work is also helpful. Automotive Youth Education Service has launched various advanced automotive programs and courses. The AYES is actually a certification course that helps the students to get ready to find entry level occupations. The candidates are trained by other experienced automotive mechanics for the duration of at least four years.
Most companies these days require mechanics to have attended the training courses offered by community, trade, or vocational colleges. All programs last for the duration of 6 months to 2 years and coalesce with on the job training with classroom instructions.
Certification is, no doubt, important, but not obligatory in the field. ASE or automotive service excellence certification (a nationally identified standard) can be issued in 8 various fields (of automotive service). The candidates must go by these examinations and have at least 2 years relevant prior work familiarity to become a certified automotive mechanic.
Apprenticeship programs, job fairs, and placement offices provide job leads and employment contacts. The individuals are also free to apply to repair shops, automotive dealerships, and service stations directly. Internet job sites and newspaper advertisements also list the latest job openings.
Experienced automotive mechanics in larger shops have the prospects to move to administrative positions such as service manager and repair shop manager. The individuals who are interested in interacting with customers can opt for becoming service estimators whose work involves taking a client's order of repairing and other write up jobs for junior mechanics. Many others launch their own service stations and repair shops.
The employment opportunities for automotive mechanics are estimated to go up. Earnings are quite high in this field and many job openings are listed every year. Nowadays, the technology in the automotive sector has become more complex, so the mechanics who have attended formal training sessions can find huge job opportunities. The job prospects for those who keep themselves well informed about the latest technologies like alternative fuels are also good.
Most of these automotive mechanics work for the duration of around 40 to 45 hours per week, however many of them have to work for extended hours. They frequently are paid for doing overtime apart from the normal routine.
Many automotive mechanics work in shops indoors with good heat, lighting, and ventilation systems. They, more often than not work with greasy, dirty parts in uncomfortable positions. They may also have to pick up heavy objects sometimes. Bruises and minor cuts are common. Serious accidents can be avoided by using some efficient safety procedures.
Wages vary on the basis of the working location and experience of an automotive mechanic. During the year 2005, the median salaries for automotive mechanics were around $15.60 per hour, while experienced individuals earned wages of more than $26 per hour. The apprentices can have great experience while working on the job and understanding several facts required to make them proficient in the field.
Overall, there are good chances of making huge money in the job of automotive mechanics and even better if the candidate has the required certifications, academic qualifications, and work experience.
