CAREER ADVICE

I Want My Car Repaired 

Many high school students have access to a car whether it belongs to them or it is the family car.  In either case, they need that car to get to school and work on time and go out with friends.  The car is so necessary that when it breaks down, it puts a real damper on activities.  An auto mechanic or service technician is called to the rescue.  A career as an automotive mechanic and service technician is especially rewarding for people who take pleasure in fixing something and making it work again.   

Because car components and systems are becoming more sophisticated, automotive mechanics and technicians must understand electronics and mathematics to be successful.  Computerized diagnostic equipment is used to pinpoint the problem and help determine precise solutions. Of course, the ability to use hand tools is also very important to the occupation as well.  The ability to read and understand technical writing and drawings are other skills that a mechanic must possess.  Strong analytical and computer skills are needed, as is a mechanical aptitude.   

According to Scott Ryan, Vice President at the Cedar Rapids Toyota dealership in Hiawatha, service technicians are one of the most critical groups of employees needed for success.  Mr. Ryan says, “They are the most difficult employees to find.  One of the reasons is that the stereotypical image of a mechanic working in grease is no longer correct today.  This old image keeps young people from considering a challenging and rewarding career.  Today a high level of computer savviness and electrical ability is essential because cars are made differently.  People in this profession are indeed in a high-tech industry.” 

Automotive mechanics and service technicians can expect to work indoors, sometimes having to bend or move in awkward positions to repair vehicles.  Some repair parts and tools are heavy. Generally, the service shops are well ventilated and well lighted but some may be drafty and noisy.   

After graduation from high school, future mechanics and technicians should expect to further their education in a postsecondary program such as the Automotive Technology two-year degree program at Kirkwood Community College.  This 21-month program results in an Associate of Applied Science degree.  Kirkwood has an exclusive partnership with Toyota and its Technical Education Network.  Students in the program at Kirkwood can expect to capitalize on the latest in technology.  According to Joe Collins, Dean of Industrial Technology at Kirkwood, it is not uncommon for there to be a waiting list of people who want to study in this program.  As a result, Kirkwood is expanding the program to accommodate some of the demand. 

The U.S. government predicts steady growth in the automotive mechanic and service technician field through the year 2008.  The growth in employment opportunities will be concentrated in automobile dealerships, independent automotive repair shops and specialty car care chains.  The government also states that people entering this career field will find steady work, especially as they gain experience.  The median income was $13.16 per hour in 1998.  Master technicians can earn from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.   

Some information for this article was excerpted from the Winter 2000-01 issue of the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” which is a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor. 

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