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Step 1: Education Requirements
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Step 2: Internship or Apprentice
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Step 3: Licensing and Certifications
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Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
Step 1: Education Requirements
At minimum, mechanics will require a high school diploma or GED to find employment. While high school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good foundation for future learning, they are not typically sufficient to meet employer hiring standards. Most professionals in this field complete a training program. Acceptable programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or even automobile manufacturers. Graduates either receive associate degrees or certificates of completion in mechanics.
Associate degree programs generally consist of 60 credit hours and take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Common courses include mathematics, electronics, and automotive repair. It’s not uncommon to find this type of degree program sponsored by automobile manufacturers. In these cases, students tend to alternate attending classes and working full time in service shops.
Alternatively, certificate programs often last six months to a year and are designed to provide students with intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. It’s also worth noting that short-term certificate programs are also available. These programs tend to focus on a single subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance.
Step 2: Internship or Apprentice
Prospective mechanics may benefit from finding an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs offer professionals the opportunity to get paid while they gain the skills and experiences necessary to become an ASE certified technician. Some companies offer this type of on-the-job training, with the apprentice working under the direct supervision of an ASE master mechanic. In most states, apprenticeship candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED, as well as a valid driver’s license. It’s not uncommon for employers to also require a background check and drug screening.
The duties of an apprentice can vary but generally include performing various basic maintenance tasks on vehicles, as well as writing customer estimates for repairs.
Some common examples of potential responsibilities are:
- Changing Brake Pads
- Inspecting Vehicles
- Ordering Replacement Parts
- Replacing Vehicle Fluids
- Testing Car Batteries
- Cleaning the Shop
- Taking Inventory
A potential drawback associated with apprenticeships is the need to own mechanics tools. These items can be expensive. Candidates may also need to work their way up from lower positions before being considered.
Internships differ from apprenticeships because they are generally associated with an academic program. These positions are often unpaid and reserved for students, who may earn class credit for the hours worked. Individuals interested in mechanic internships should speak with their school counselor or advisor.
Step 3: Licensing & Certifications
Every shop handles licensing and certification differently. Some employers require mechanics to have one or more certifications, while other shops do not. It’s important to verify these requirements prior to submitting a job application. Every technician who buys or works with refrigerants has to be certified by the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA). This requires passing the EPA exam. While no formal preparation is typically required, many training programs address the information covered in the test.
As previously mentioned, the most prominent certification for mechanics is the ASE credential.
ASE certification is available in the following automobile specialty areas:
- Automatic Transmission / Transaxle
- Brakes
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
- Electrical / Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Engine Repair
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Manual Drive Train and Axles
- Suspension and Steering
Mechanics can become certified in any of these areas by obtaining at least two years of experience and passing the associated examination. Relevant academic training can be substituted for a single year of experience if applicable. Those who become certified in all of the aforementioned specialties, excluding light vehicle diesel engine, may earn the title of ASE Master Technician. ASE Master Technicians tend to have more job security and make higher salaries.
Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
As a general rule, the more skills mechanics have, the higher their earning potential. Continuing training and education is a great way to enhance employment prospects and increase hourly salaries. Additionally, the car industry is constantly changing; staying informed about new makes and models, as well as standard procedures, is incredibly important.
Continuing education opportunities may be found in a wide range of places, including parts suppliers and test-equipment manufacturers. Stakeholder entities like these often offer seminars, on-the-job advice, and troubleshooting suggestions for free or at a discount for clients. Local technical colleges may also offer individual courses or full academic programs that lead to associate degrees. Additionally, many organizations and associations offer continuing education via presentations and resources to their members. At a minimum, school bookstores and libraries are likely to have advanced mechanics textbooks available for purchase or loan.
It’s worth noting that some employers offer continuing education opportunities to their mechanics for free. Many shop owners know the value of up-to-date training and ensure their workers are familiar with the best and latest techniques and technology.