Is becoming an automotive service technician right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming an automotive service technician is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an automotive service technician or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become an Automotive Service Technician
High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and english provide a good background for prospective service technicians.
Because automotive technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, employers prefer service technicians who have completed a training program in automotive mechanics at a post secondary institution. Some service technicians get a two-year associate degree. Courses usually include basic mathematics, computers, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs have recently added classes in customer service, english, and other necessary skills.
Most service technicians must complete on-the-job training, often as part of a formal education program. Depending on a new service technician’s educational background, it typically takes two to five years of experience to become a fully qualified automotive service technician.
It then takes an additional one to two years of experience for service technicians to become familiar with all types of repairs. New workers generally start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers and gradually acquire and practice their skills by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.