Automobile Service Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview People now rely on automobiles since it makes it easier for them to go from one place to the other. The increase in the demand of vehicles had greatly changed the automobile industry. Big industries like General Motors, Ford and Chrysler manufactured millions of vehicle that caters to the needs of their customers. Automobiles have limitations and would have problems in the long run. Automobile service and repair garages have been established where automobile service technicians work on repairing the customers vehicles.
Education,Knowledge and Trainings Required
A high school diploma will give more job opportunities for those who want to work as automobile service technician. Taking up classes in English. Mathematics, Computer, Automotive and Shop classes will give an applicant basic knowledge about this profession. Those who were able to take formal training program in automobile mechanics are preferred by employers. There are wide selection of programs offered in vocational schools, community colleges and independent organizations. Some programs will last for two years which will give the applicant an Associate’s degree. The programs include courses on Reading and Writing, Business Practices and Applied Mathematics. Those who are certified by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) can be more competitive in the field.
Skills and Abilities
It is important for an automobile service technician to be updated with the latest technology in the automobile industry. They need to read repair and service manuals to enhance their troubleshooting skills. Being patient is very important. Good communication skills help the technicians interact with their customers effectively.
Duties
Automobile service technicians can be classified as either generalists and specialists.
Light maintenance and repairs on vehicles are performed by the generalists. Their work can be described as basic and routine work. They also work on different types of vehicles. Specialists, on the other hand, works on one or two areas. They will study a particular area and will use them in fixing different car models and brands.The main responsibility of an automobile service technician is to know where the problem started and then fixing the vehicle. It is part of their duty to test-drive the car and use different equipment like spark plug testers, compression gauges and motor analyzers. They need to explain to the customer how the problem started and give them some pointers on how to properly maintain their automobiles.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Geographic location, level of experience and type of shop where they work are the factors of automobile service technicians salary. Their income ranges from $18,500 to 55,020. Technicians are usually paid on an hourly basis. The presence of a valid certification is also a factor that increases the rate of the worker in this profession. Highly skilled and trained automobile technicians will still be in demand especially now that people are dependent on their vehicles.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 527 Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 Time: 9:06 PM
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