Pub. 1 2019 Issue 1

How to Get Started as an Automotive Service Technician Achieving the highest level of technical expertise is a process; there are no shortcuts. But while formal training programs can be import- ant, on-the-job experience and a general mechanical interest and abil- ity are critical. Computer skills are increasingly valuable as well. A good place to start is an entry-level position in the service depart- ment or body shop of an auto or truck dealership or an auction, even without any training. The dealership will often oversee and pay for your training and certification on the vehicle brands they sell and service. (Many manufacturers have their own training programs and criteria, available only to dealership-sponsored students.) Once you’re in the door, a continuous interest in advancing to the next level and acquiring the skills to do that will help you achieve success; well-run dealerships will constantly make you aware of your progress and help you move up. While some organizations — most notably ASE, or the National Insti- tute for Automotive Service Excellence — have established testing and certification procedures, there is no industry-wide standard. The same is true for recognized levels of skill and knowledge. In many shops, techs must supply their own tools, although, increas- ingly, some dealerships provide some tools as incentives to recruit and retain talented technicians. Experienced, well-trained technicians will always be in demand and able to earn top-dollar. If you enjoy the work, putting in the time and effort to complete training and certification will virtually always pay off. $ 61,067 MEDIAN NATIONWIDE SALARY + Benefits Advancement Opportunities It’s not uncommon for automotive technicians to advance significantly within a dealership over the course of their careers. Common ways to advance are through increasing certifications to perform more com- plicated work — starting as a level 1 technician doing maintenance work and advancing eventually to become a level 4 master technician certified to service virtually all systems in the vehicle. On a separate career track, some technicians transition to the custom- er service side and become service-writers, working with customers to identify their needs and schedule service and maintenance. Still others progress into management, some moving into the parts department of a dealership, others managing entire service opera- tions. Service operations at some dealerships can involve managing dozens of technicians and hundreds of service and maintenance orders each day. Still others become owners of local dealerships. Mike Jackson, chairman of America’s largest dealership group, AutoNation (which operates more than 230 dealerships nationwide), started his career as a service technician in Cherry Hill, New Jersey! SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Local dealerships and associations fund hundreds of scholarship opportunities for aspiring technicians each year. Many of these scholarship opportunities can fund a prospective student’s entire enrollment in an automotive service training program. For a listing of automotive technician scholarships, visit nadafoundation.org/join-workforce/find-scholarships. Issue 1 2019 23 CFADA.ORG