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Becoming an automotive technician is a good career option for anyone who loves working with cars and has a passion for making motors run. BLS estimates there are currently more than 700,000 Automotive Service Technician jobs in the US, and the number is expected to grow over the next 10 years!
With millions of cars on the road and more being produced every day, good automotive technicians and auto mechanics who can diagnose and solve issues with the vehicle are sure to be in demand. Good automotive training will help prepare you for this career for years to come. If you love to work with your hands and have a passion for vehicles, then being an automotive technician would be a good career for you.
If you're interested in becoming an Automotive Technician or Auto Mechanic, you should consider enrolling in Florida Career College's Automotive Technician Program. Our short-term program can be completed in as few as 10 months, allowing students to earn an Automotive Technician Diploma in a short period of time.
Is Becoming an Automotive Technician a Good Career Choice?
Auto technicians are trained to diagnose problems with a vehicle and also to fix those problems using tools and computerized equipment. This career provides the opportunity to work independently and feel better by helping people with maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing automotive problems that clients may have. This page will provide you with various reasons why you should pursue a career as an automotive technician.
Automotive Technicians Work Independently.
When most people picture automotive technicians, they may picture a shop full of loud music and mechanics working in close proximity. While this may be the case at some shops and may be preferable to newer technicians, there are many options available. Even in a crowded shop, most technicians work on each job independently, without having to depend on others. With experience, you may decide to open your own business or become a mobile technician, servicing vehicles on the road.
Automotive Technicians Solve Problems.
Vehicles are complex machines powered by gas, electricity, and technology. When something isn’t functioning properly, it’s up to a technician to diagnose the issue and offer a solution. If you love solving problems, you’ll never be bored as an automotive technician.
Rewarding Career.
Not every job allows for clear solutions to problems, but as an automotive technician, you can identify a problem and fix it quickly. Seeing that progress is gratifying and makes the job rewarding.
Automotive Technicians Help People.
Millions of people own vehicles, but only a small percentage know how to fix them if they break down or require maintenance. Many people struggle with basic car maintenance! At the same time, we all depend on our vehicles to get around. Automotive technicians may also receive specialized training to work on commercial vehicles and tractors, marine equipment, buses, motorcycles, and more. Automotive technicians have unique skills and knowledge that most people lack, and they provide a valuable service to vehicle owners.
Now that we've covered the advantages of becoming an automotive technician or mechanic let's explore some of the cons or disadvantages of this career.
Cons to Becoming an Automotive Technician
Physically demanding.
Technicians are often crawling under vehicles, lifting heavy equipment, or bending in strange positions to reach the components that need servicing. Remaining physically active and stretching often is important in this position.
Liability
Automotive technicians are the ones who diagnose and also solve problems with a vehicle. You may be liable if you do not properly fix or maintain a vehicle. It’s important to pay attention during training and reflect on that knowledge often to do the job right the first time. The good news is this career is one that allows for some trial and error. Rarely is a mistake unfixable.
Automotive Technician vs Mechanic
Often the terms automotive technician and automotive mechanic are used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Automotive mechanics work with their hands to fix mechanical issues within a vehicle. They can perform maintenance and replace parts as needed.
Automotive technicians have more training that allows them to diagnose electrical and technological issues, as well as fix the mechanical parts of a vehicle. As more technology is built into vehicles, the skills of a technician are increasingly valuable. They use specialized equipment to read the error codes a vehicle presents and then work with their hands to take a look at the system and solve the problem.
There is plenty of overlap in the duties and responsibilities of automotive technicians and mechanics. Both are qualified to track routine maintenance needs and perform repairs as needed.
Should You Become an Automotive Technician?
If you enjoy working on cars, learning new skills every day, helping people, and love working on cars, then a career as an automotive technician may be the right move for you. Becoming an automotive technician is a great choice for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and who wants to transition into a new career field quickly. Automotive technicians work in a fast-paced environment, solving problems and providing an important service.
Automotive technicians don’t have to work in one shop for their entire careers. You may start out at a small shop or dealership and discover different specialties that you have a passion for or even decide to work as an independent contractor. The ability to change up your work environment provides plenty of opportunities for great job satisfaction.
Online Classes with Hands-On Learning Classes StartingMarch 27th, 2023!¶
Enroll in FCC's Auto Technician Program
Florida Career College offers all the support and resources necessary to begin a new career in the automotive industry in as few as ten months. No matter what has held you back in the past, give us a call today to see how we can help!
- You can earn your high school diploma while you earn your automotive technician diploma
- Financial aid is available to those who qualify
- Classes are offered during the morning or evening with in-person classes only twice per week
If you are serious about a career in the automotive industry, give us a call today to see how we can help you achieve that dream! Our Auto Mechanic Program is short-term, meaning students can earn an Automotive Technician Diploma in as little as 10 Months!
