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Start Your Career in Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology - Your Complete Guide to Mechanics and Technology



Start Your Career in Automotive Technology

Automotive technology includes any functions related to vehicle inspection, maintenance, or repair.

 

Today, with more technology in cars and other vehicles than ever before, auto mechanics must not only be familiar with the mechanical workings of engines and transmissions but also understand the electronic systems that control today’s cars and trucks. 


The Automotive Technology program provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical and technological skills you will need to become an automotive technician.


 With this knowledge under your belt, you will have all the tools you need to get your career started on the right track.


What Is Automotive Technology?


The Automotive Technology program provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical and technological skills you will need for entry-level automotive technology employment. 

You will learn in class, in a modern bus car technology skills show shop, and through real-world projects.

 Facilities include Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment, which allows students to practice their CNC programming skills on actual machines used in the industry.

This curriculum also includes work experience with:

  • electronic equipment
  • hand tools
  • electrical wires; electronics


Engine repair:

  • Suspension / Steering Systems
  •  Brake Systems
  •  Heating/air conditioning
  • systems Small engine repair and tuning.


Combined with auto body repair techniques.


Students are introduced to all aspects of vehicle inspection, maintenance, or repair as well as computer diagnostics using the manufacturer's inspection tools.

 


What does an automotive technician do?


An automotive technician makes sure that your car is running as efficiently as possible.


 Most people think of mechanics when they hear automotive technicians, but automotive technicians are more like doctors than auto mechanics. 


They diagnose problems with all components of your vehicle and ensure that everything is functioning properly in order to drive safely, even handling customer service duties such as booking appointments.


 Of course, they also know how to fix issues even major ones when they arise.


 The primary benefit of hiring an automotive technician is their ability to find little problems before they become big ones; there are plenty of people who pay thousands for a simple repair because they ignored what a skilled mechanic could tell them.


 Automotive technology includes any functions related to vehicle inspection, maintenance, or repair. 


Today, with more technology in cars and other vehicles, it’s important to have someone on hand who can make sense of those systems – hence why automotive technicians have become so valuable. 


In addition to making sure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely, auto technicians also help you understand how you can improve your fuel mileage by:

  • Changing driving habits (accelerating slowly instead of fast)
  • Check tire pressure regularly (and adjust if necessary)
  • Maintain an oil change (usually every 3 months or 3,000 miles)
  • Avoid harsh acceleration/braking/turning cycles (which wear out tires faster).


What Are the Jobs for Automotive Mechanics?


The automotive industry is one of today's most innovative, dynamic industries.


 Auto manufacturers compete in a global marketplace and are constantly looking for ways to improve their cars.


 One way they do that is by hiring engineering teams who use computer-numerical control (CNC) systems—the basis for auto technology—to design parts, test them, and build prototypes before production begins.


 CNC uses computers to run industrial machinery designed to cut materials such as metal, plastic, rubber, or wood. 


The machines are controlled by CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing) programs that translate digital information from 3D computer models into lines of code.


 These programs can also be used to create virtual reality simulations of designs, allowing engineers to see how new parts will look and work before building physical prototypes. 


This automation reduces costs because it requires fewer workers than traditional machining methods.


 It also increases efficiency because it allows companies to produce more parts at once with less waste and in less time than traditional methods would allow. 


The automotive industry makes extensive use of these technologies, which is why there are so many jobs for automotive mechanics today! 


There were over 827,000 automotive mechanic jobs in 2016 alone! Those jobs paid an average salary of $41,000 per year, making them some of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs available!


What can I do with my degree?


You can find a job in a variety of settings after earning your degree.

 Some graduates may decide to start their own business or get involved with research; others will want to continue their studies at a graduate level.


 A degree in automotive technology also provides you with flexibility, as many programs include general education classes so you can explore other subjects. 


This is helpful if you don’t know exactly what type of work you want once you graduate, or if you have an interest in more than one field.

 

Also, if you choose to attend a two-year program, it might be possible for you to earn credits that transfer into another four-year program, allowing you to complete your bachelor's degree faster.


 However, if you do not plan on attending grad school right away or are unsure about which career path is best for you after graduation, consider starting out by attending a community college for two years before transferring into a four-year program.


Why choose Automotive Technology?


Automotive technology includes any functions related to vehicle inspection, maintenance, or repair. 


Today, with more technology in cars and other vehicles, there are many additional skills that you will need to become a successful auto technician. 


The Automotive Technology program provides a comprehensive introduction to these mechanical and technological skills you will need.


After completing their studies, the students went on to work for major companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Sales USA, Honda Corporation of America, BMW Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and DaimlerChrysler AG Mercedes-Benz Cars LLC, Volvo Cars of North America LLC, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.


What Traits Will Help You Excel in Automotive Technology?


Automotive technology includes any functions related to vehicle inspection, maintenance, or repair.


Today, with more technology in cars and other vehicles that are a part of our daily lives (like cell phones), people interested in pursuing careers like auto technicians have a variety of options available.


 If you are interested in entering the world of automotive technology


Take a look at some important tips


  • 1. You must have an interest in cars while it may seem obvious

There will be plenty of work involved in learning how to diagnose and fix problems with automobiles; if your heart isn’t really into it, then it may be hard to succeed long-term in an auto tech career.


  •  2. You Should Know How to Work With Your Hands If you’ve ever taken apart a toy car when you were younger, then you know how useful it is to be able to put things back together again. 


In order to excel in automotive technology programs, students must learn how everything works—and that means taking things apart so they can understand them better.


  •  3. You Need Good Math Skills to come into play often when diagnosing car problems because there are many formulas and measurements used by mechanics around the world.

 

If you struggle with math, especially fractions and decimals, then you should consider getting extra tutoring before enrolling in auto technician training. 


  • 4. You Should Be Detail-Oriented It’s important to be detail-oriented when working on automobiles because small mistakes can lead to bigger ones down the road.

 The same goes for writing reports: details matter!


  •  5. You Should Have Strong Communication Skills When working with others, communication is key. 


Being able to clearly explain what needs to be done next, why something needs to be fixed, and what went wrong during a job all require strong communication skills. 


  • 6. You Should Enjoy Working With Tools Working on cars requires using lots of tools every day, from screwdrivers and wrenches to hammers and saws. 


  • 7. You Should Love Working Outside One thing that most people don’t realize about being an automotive technician is that much of your time will be spent outside fixing cars in various weather conditions. 


If you hate working outside, then think twice about becoming a mechanic!


  •  8. You Should Want to Help People Becoming an auto technician helps keep the world moving forward.


 By providing quality repairs, you are helping drivers get where they need to go safely.

 

  • 9. You Should Enjoy Learning New Things Every single day, new technologies and procedures become available in the automotive industry. 


As such, it’s vital that those who want to become auto technicians stay up-to-date on new developments so they can provide their customers with the best service possible.


  •  10. You Should Like Working With Your Hands We mentioned this above, but it’s worth mentioning again. Auto technicians spend a lot of time working with their hands, and they can’t do that unless they enjoy it.