Learn More about the Automotive Trades

You benefit from vocational training

If you have an interest in how mechanical things work and enjoy keeping up on technological advancements, an automotive trade school is probably the right choice for you.

If you find yourself taking apart, diagnosing and repairing anything you can get your hands on, you might be suited to an automotive technician specialty. An eye for perfection in the form of a sleek, dent- and scratch-free vehicle exterior may point to a future in body work and collision repair.

How long will it take?

Automotive school programs can last as little as a few days to one week for courses such as auto detailing or tire and lube specialist, while entry level training programs (or pre-apprenticeship programs) may take four to eight months. Full certification programs last one to four years depending on how many classroom and shop hours are put in. Apprenticeships make up the longer programs, but are usually preferred since students work and earn money throughout, alternating between a full-time job and full-time classes.

Programs typically offered at automotive trade schools:

• Automotive service technician (auto or diesel mechanic) - Most automotive service technicians work on cars, light duty trucks and vans. Others choose to focus on diesel engines and work with large trucks, trailers and buses. Motorcycle mechanics are even more narrowly focused. Noise, dirt, extreme temperatures and heavy lifting are commonplace with these jobs, and minor injuries such as scrapes and burns often can't be avoided. Using hand tools while in awkward positions is a given, but these days mechanics must also be adept at working with computers and electronic components. Some shops are better than others and provide equipment that makes the work easier.
  
  Mechanics generally provide their own hand tools and own several thousand dollars' worth. Shops will provide the costly diagnostic machines and power tools. Knowledge of alternative fuels and new technologies, like those found in hybrid vehicles, is becoming increasingly important in the automotive job market. One to two years of training will get students an entry level position, while several more years of work experience and training will increase qualifications and wages. If a specialty such as transmission repair is desired, one to two years' further training may be needed.
• Auto body technician (collision repair technician) - The main aspects of this job include repair cost estimation and part removal and replacement. Collision repair technicians can expect to be working in a loud, dirty environment and performing manual tasks such as pounding out dents, straightening bent parts and using hand tools for welding, grinding and sanding. Priming and painting finished vehicles is another aspect of this trade. Auto body repair training can include courses on plastics, welding and metal finishing. Programs can last as little as six months to as long as two years depending on how many on-the-job training hours are put in weekly and what skill level students desire to reach.
• Sales and business management - Automotive industry jobs in this area can include sales and leasing (dealing with customers, demonstrating vehicles, negotiating and closing deals) and business management (understanding financing and leasing, dealing with financial institutions). These programs typically last a few weeks or more.
• Fixed operations - Individual one-month programs include auto body estimation (inspecting, assessing and estimating auto body damage), parts technician (stock handling, cataloging and computer training), service consultant (sales, problem identification, shop repair ordering). If they're combined in one program you can become a fixed operations specialist.

Trust tradeschoolworld.com for a plethora of background information on trade schools.