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| Automotive Mechanics |
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| Employment Increase: |
30% |
| People In Field: |
907,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$22,260 |
| Qualifications: |
High School, Training |
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Nature of the Work:
Automotive mechanics, often called automotive
service technicians, repair and service automobiles and
occasionally light trucks, such as vans and pickups, with gasoline
engines. The ability to diagnose the source of the problem quickly
and accurately, one of the mechanic's most valuable skills,
requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of
automobiles.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in
sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend
that persons seeking trainee automotive mechanic jobs complete
a formal training program after graduating from high
school. Automotive mechanic training programs are offered in
high schools, community colleges, and public and private
vocational and technical schools, but post-secondary
programs generally provide more thorough career preparation than
high school programs. Some automotive mechanics still learn
the trade solely by assisting and working with experienced
mechanics.
Job Outlook:
Job opportunities in automotive mechanics are expected
to be plentiful for persons who complete automotive
training programs in high school, vocational and technical schools,
or community colleges. Persons whose programs include
some basic electronics should have the best opportunities.
Persons without formal mechanic training are likely to face
competition for entry level jobs. Employment of automotive
mechanics is expected to increase about as fast as the average for
all occupations through the year 2005. There will be an
estimated 907,000 automotive mechanics by 2005.
Sources of Additional Information:
For more details about work opportunities, contact local automotive
dealers and repair shops, or the local office of the state employment
service. The state employment service also may have information about
training programs.
A list of certified automotive mechanic training programs may be obtained from:
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
Herndon, VA 22071
Information on automobile manufacturer-sponsored two-year associate
degree programs in automotive service technology may be obtained from:
Ford Motor Company Parts and Service Division
ASSET Program, Training Department, Room 109
3000 Schaefer Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48121
Chrysler Dealer Apprenticeship Program
National C.A.P. Coordinator, SIMS 4232106
26001 Lawrence Ave.
Center Line, MI 48015
General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program
National College Coordinator
General Motors Service Technology Group
30501 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48090
Or call 1-800-828-6860
Information on how to become a certified automotive
mechanic is available from:
ASE
13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
Herndon, VA 22071-3415
For general information about the work of automotive
mechanics, write to:
Automotive Service Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 929
Bedford, TX 76095-0929
Automotive Service Industry Association
25 Northwest Point
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1035
American Automobile Manufacturers Association
7430 Second Ave., Suite 300
Detroit, MI 48202
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