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Officials with the non-profit National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) -- the independent group that tests and
certifies the competence of auto technicians nationally -- note that automotive
service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation. High-tech systems
unheard of 30 years ago are now common on the nation's fleet of vehicles;
stability and traction control systems, adaptive cruise control and variable
valve timing, to name a few. And more changes are on the way: hybrid vehicles
are becoming a reality, hydrogen fuel cells may become viable in the near-term;
inter-active suspensions, continuously variable-speed transmissions, and 42-volt
batteries will soon become commonplace.
Given the advance of technology and a richly varied automotive aftermarket that
offers an array of positions and career paths, the future is bright for talented
young persons with math, science, communications and technical skills.
And unlike many high-tech careers that require four, six, even eight years of
college, automotive technology careers can begin after two years of college. As
with any career, life-long learning and update training is necessary, but the
simple fact is, students in automotive technology can get out into the real
world sooner -- and with less college debt.
Moreover, job growth looks strong into the foreseeable future. Estimates of job
growth range from 35,000 to 60,000 openings annually. Whatever the exact number,
one thing is certain: the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics lists
automotive technicians as one of the top-20 jobs with relatively high median
earnings and the potential for significant job openings over the next decade.
And with the outsourcing of jobs picking up steam -- first manufacturing jobs,
now computer programming, customer call-center work, and accounting services all
going overseas -- it should be comforting to know that automotive service and
repair is resistant to such moves.
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So, what kind of work is out there?
The jobs run the gamut from line technician to service consultant, service
director, or store owner. There is work in parts, parts distribution and
wholesaling; collision repair, painting, and damage estimating. There's
the growing field of high-performance machining and rebuilding. There is
work in technical areas, training, or in management at the corporate level
for national franchises, vehicle manufacturers, and private and municipal
fleets. There are positions with high schools and community colleges as
well as proprietary schools as instructors. Still other technicians find
themselves moving into sales, marketing, and business management.
Countless automotive aftermarket executives got their start turning
wrenches. (Though nowadays the tool of choice is as likely to be a
diagnostic computer and monitor).
In fact, so many people have made their beginnings in the automotive
aftermarket as an auto technician, that it is viewed as something of a
portal career. And for those whose true calling is in the service bay,
it's far from a dead-end career. Top-notch technicians well versed in
computer diagnostics and the latest engine performance and drivabilty
solutions can and do command top-dollar salaries. Pride in work, technical
savvy, and craftsmanship are rewarded.
So if your chaffing to get out in the real world and make your mark, do
consider automotive technology.
The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
conducts the only nationally recognized certification program for
automotive service professionals. ASE offers a wide range of tests that
serve virtually every segment of the automotive service arena. Some
400,000 professionals hold current ASE certification. To learn more, go to
ase.com.
The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, or NATEF for
short, is ASE's education arm. NATEF works closely with the automotive
service industry to develop national standards for automotive training
programs. Such programs, in turn, benefit students and employers alike by
providing a steady stream of job-ready young technicians. For more
information about NATEF's programs, a list of certified automotive Vo-Tech
programs in your area, and additional career information, visit
www.natef.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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