Automotive Service Technician Career Education Options

Automobiles break down often and the skills needed to fix them typically require knowledgeable professionals. Students can take their interest of cars and apply it to educational training. Several degree program options prepare students to become automotive service technicians.

Vocational schools across the country train students to understand the procedures and tools needed to fix automobiles. Education is crucial in order to gain the skills required to examine, manage, and fix automobiles and light trucks. Training typically integrates various types of vehicles that run on gasoline and electricity. Some programs also explore vehicles that run off of alternative fuel sources such as ethanol. Inside the profession technicians perform a variety of duties, which can include:

  • Basic Maintenance Services
  • Oil Changes
  • Tire Rotations

Educational training is focused on developing a student's knowledge to diagnose problems and plan vehicle repairs. The work conducted in today's technologically advanced industry requires professionals to have formal training. Students can gain the knowledge needed to be successful inside the field by working through programs at the certificate and associate's degree level. Certificate programs are short and typically last six to twelve months. Associates degree programs provide students with general education courses and more in depth technician courses. Programs at this level last two years and prepare students to enter the industry.

Training is a great way to gain a foundational understanding of the profession, which is used to gain practical on-the-job experience. Many colleges incorporate on-the-job training as part of their curriculum. New technicians work for two to five years before becoming fully qualified. This time allows technicians to practice and gain experience working with automobiles, which includes basic and complex repairs.

Students that pursue certification will be ready to apply the current operating practices needed to diagnose problems and fix automotive systems. Coursework develops the knowledge to service and fix automobiles by teaching students to understand test and repair procedures. Brake systems, safety inspection tests, hybrid vehicle practices, powertrain electronics, and air conditioning systems courses develop the skills needed to obtain entry-level careers. A hybrid course, for example, breaks down every part of hybrid cars. The storage factors, hybrid controls, combustion engine modifications, and fuel sources are all topics discussed in detail. Stepping into careers will have students immediately putting their skills to use.

The ability to identify every component of an automobile and explain its purpose is just one area that is learned inside training at the associate's degree level. Coursework covers the broad spectrum of skills needed to fix a variety of vehicles using the latest technologies and practices. Automotive brakes, electronics, drive-trains, industry mathematics, engine performance theories, and technical communications courses are some subjects students may work through. Upon completion of a program students are required to obtain certification. Students will graduate with Automotive Service Excellence credentials.

Learning to understand automobiles and how to repair them is a skill set that will not go to waste. Students should begin accredited automotive service training and start working towards becoming technicians. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology ( http://www.accsc.org/ ) is one of numerous agencies approved to fully accredit the best schools and colleges that offer a quality education.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

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