One of many career training paths to evaluate is the exciting career of becoming an automotive technician. If you have a passion for cars, trucks, engines or what goes into their engineering, this could be the right field to jump into.
Automotive technicians have a number of responsibilities. They conduct inspections, apply regular maintenance & repair autos throughout the year. Seasonality is at a minimum in this industry as people are always driving and whether it's an oil change or a full engine replacement, technicians are needed year round.
Years ago, it was more difficult to determine causes of automotive problems. While cars & trucks have become more advanced, being fueled by electricity, ethanol, or a combination, diagnostic equipment for monitoring & evaluating autos has become more advanced as well. A vehicle can be hooked up to a single machine to determine over an 80 point inspection in a matter of minutes. From this test, a technician can determine whether their expertise is needed to replace something as simple as a spark plug or as advanced as a new transmission.
The most basic of tools will also be used while fixing vehicles. While they have been the standard for years, technicians will still use wrenches, grinding machines, welding equipment, pliers, power tools & their own two hands to pry apart or fit a piece in.
An automotive technician might find him or herself as an apprentice in a garage for the first year until a range of services have been accomplished correctly. The perks of running an automotive business & controlling your own schedule are great, however, most times auto technicians serve at existing shops for several years before having the knowledge, confidence & finances to spin off another repair shop.
The typical work week for a technician is a standard 40 hour week. Depending on the volume of cars & workload of other employees, technicians could end up working weekends, although could also be paid overtime if the work contract is hourly. Work conditions are typically indoors, especially outside of the deep south. Weather conditions can complicate working in a shop regardless of the season due to excessive rain or frigid cold weather, so most technicians prefer to work indoors. Proper ventilation is necessary to have a safe indoor working environment, but can also create a potentially cold work environment with fresh air being pumped in or garage doors constantly being lifted up & down, allowing hot air to escape.
Automotive technicians have a number of responsibilities. They conduct inspections, apply regular maintenance & repair autos throughout the year. Seasonality is at a minimum in this industry as people are always driving and whether it's an oil change or a full engine replacement, technicians are needed year round.
Years ago, it was more difficult to determine causes of automotive problems. While cars & trucks have become more advanced, being fueled by electricity, ethanol, or a combination, diagnostic equipment for monitoring & evaluating autos has become more advanced as well. A vehicle can be hooked up to a single machine to determine over an 80 point inspection in a matter of minutes. From this test, a technician can determine whether their expertise is needed to replace something as simple as a spark plug or as advanced as a new transmission.
The most basic of tools will also be used while fixing vehicles. While they have been the standard for years, technicians will still use wrenches, grinding machines, welding equipment, pliers, power tools & their own two hands to pry apart or fit a piece in.
An automotive technician might find him or herself as an apprentice in a garage for the first year until a range of services have been accomplished correctly. The perks of running an automotive business & controlling your own schedule are great, however, most times auto technicians serve at existing shops for several years before having the knowledge, confidence & finances to spin off another repair shop.
The typical work week for a technician is a standard 40 hour week. Depending on the volume of cars & workload of other employees, technicians could end up working weekends, although could also be paid overtime if the work contract is hourly. Work conditions are typically indoors, especially outside of the deep south. Weather conditions can complicate working in a shop regardless of the season due to excessive rain or frigid cold weather, so most technicians prefer to work indoors. Proper ventilation is necessary to have a safe indoor working environment, but can also create a potentially cold work environment with fresh air being pumped in or garage doors constantly being lifted up & down, allowing hot air to escape.
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