When you hear the words "automotive training," what kind of student do you picture? An aspiring automotive service technician? The fact is that many auto colleges offer a wider range of courses, for dispatchers, managers, salespeople and truck drivers alike.
Automotive training for dispatchers
Dispatchers learn how to use the two-way radio and other tools of the trade at dispatcher-specific courses offered in the same kind of establishments as cater to aspiring mechanics.
Why automotive training helps dispatchers: Dispatchers who go on to work for trucking companies will be required to use a variety of sophisticated logistics software packages. Learning them in school can give new job applicants a real edge over the competition, because it gives them a chance to try out new skills in a more relaxed atmosphere where failure does not translate into money lost.
For managers, too
Running a garage involves technical know-how, but that is not all. It is a business, and, as such, garage owners and managers must know how to manage their automotive technician team so as to best serve their customers. They must develop good communications skills and strategize.
Why automotive training helps managers: It can be a real time-saver to get industry-specific management advice. A normal business class can only go so far!
Don't forget automotive training for salespeople
Some automotive service technician training programs are offered alongside programs for salespeople.
Why?: The car industry has seen a lot of turbulence over the past decade. The American manufacturing industry experienced a real dip for economic reasons, and the Japanese market suffered after the tsunami. As odd as it may seem, the lack of new cars led to a lack of used cars. In the past, many so-called used cars were actually remaindered vehicles. This lack of cars led used cars to go up in price, making the used car market a much tougher market for salespeople to navigate.
An automotive training program for salespeople can also help students understand the changing needs of their customers, many of whom will be looking for more fuel-efficient and less polluting options. A course can quickly bring a salesperson up to speed on the changing profile of today's consumers!
And, last but not least, truck drivers
Some of the same schools that provide training in how to become an automotive technician also cater to truck drivers, preparing them to get their necessary licenses.
One other bonus of having all these auto-related subjects being offered under the same roof is that it can increase students' exposure to other people within their industry. An automotive service technician, for example, can start to build their professional network by interacting informally with the managers-in-training. Similarly, dispatchers and truck drivers may benefit from early exposure to one another at automotive training school. In this way, automotive schools offer a kind of synergy, which some students may find exciting.