Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical,
electronic and
hydraulic parts of gasoline-powered vehicles. With the concern for automotive efficiency
and the cost of fuel, vehicle repairs and service growing yearly, the role of the
automotive technician increases in importance. This career is for the person who loves to
work with his/her hands and likes a challenge.
Duties
Technicians in this field may be required to:
repair, service and adjust electrical or
mechanical parts of gasoline-powered vehicles
perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot/diagnose, and
estimate costs related to repairs
repair or replace defective parts and/or
rebuild assemblies
conduct tests to make sure the repairs have
corrected the problem and were properly made
may specialize in repairing engines,
electrical systems, carburetors, brakes, transmissions, air conditioning systems,
alignment of suspension systems, wheels, axles and steering mechanisms
think critically and
logically to assess and solve automotive repair problems
gain knowledge to
become an ASE certified technician
Working Conditions
Technicians in this field commonly experience:
may work alone
may work in cooperation with others
(teamwork)
perform variety of duties
may work under direct supervision
may work overtime
depending on customer needs
working in, on or under cars
Physical Demands
active (walking, standing, bending,
crawling, kneeling, crouching, carrying)
reaching, handling,
lifting (to 70 lbs.)
Characteristics & Temperament
Technicians in this field should have:
good oral and written communication skills
ability to work with symbols, data, some
written communication
ability to work with people (co-workers,
customers)
ability to work with machines (setting up,
operating, maintaining)
ability to understand and follow verbal
directions
ability to follow written directions
ability to perform arithmetic functions
quickly and accurately
spatial aptitude (understand two-dimensional
objects, recognize relationships resulting from the movement of objects)
mechanical reasoning (understand mechanical
principles and devices, understand how things work and how to fix them)
good motor coordination (hand/eye
coordination, manual/finger dexterity, accurate and swift movement)
ability to interact positively with people
from diverse cultures/populations
self-discipline
ability to develop a
knowledge of computers during and for vehicle repair
Employment Outlook
Technicians in this field can expect the following developments:
salary range:
$18,000-35,000 per year for 2002-2007 graduates
average salary:
$22,050 for 2002-2007 graduates
97% placement rate for
2002-2007 graduates
some entry level positions: automotive
dealer technician, service shop technician, used car dealer technician, auto parts store
technician, parts assistant, service manager
technician
specialization in: engine repair, manual drive
train and axle, brake, heating and air conditioning, automatic transmission/transaxle,
etc.
job advancement comes with experience,
further training and national certification test
opportunities are good
because of a shortage of qualified technicians throughout the
country
possible self-employment
employment in cities and towns of all sizes
Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:
Program & Course Information
For information about Piedmont Technical College's programs and courses offered in
this area, visit the Automotive Technology Program's Web page. Now offering
day and evening automotive classes.
Career Tracks is
a publication of Piedmont Technical College that reflects the current career statistics
for students who have completed programs of the college. Forward your questions
about this site to Andy Omundson at (864) 941-8376 or by e-mail to
omundson.a@ptc.edu.
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