Become a mechanic by completing a high school diploma or GED, then enrolling in an automotive technology program. Gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level jobs. Obtain ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification for better job prospects. Continually update skills with training and certifications to stay competitive in the industry.
You’ve always been handy with vehicles. In fact, you’ve been fixing your own car for years with a little guidance from the internet (shout out to all the shade tree mechanics on YouTube ). And as it turns out, you have a knack for this whole vehicle maintenance and repair thing, which is why you’re now seriously thinking about turning it into a lifelong career.
If you’re interested in embarking on a rewarding career path as a mechanic, you’re probably aware that it can be hard work physically. But if you enjoy working with your hands and are willing to learn, it can be immensely fulfilling work! Read on to learn how to become a mechanic, including education requirements and the specific skills you need to succeed in the industry.
Mechanic Career Overview
Mechanics examine, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, heavy equipment, and other transportation vehicles. Some mechanics choose to specialize, while others prefer to be a jack-of-all-trades. If you become the latter, your day could be fairly dynamic and involve a wide of range of daily tasks, from diagnosing check engine lights to building transmissions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for an automotive mechanic in 2019 was $42,090 ($20.24 per hour). Although the projected job outlook is expected to slow down or not change at all through 2028, the BLS says that “qualified job seekers” should have good job opportunities.
Steps to Become a Mechanic
Like most other trade school jobs, learning how to become a mechanic takes plenty of motivation and a strong desire to learn. If you have those two qualities in spades, then you’re going to do great! Here are the steps you’ll need to take to pursue your dream of becoming a mechanic.
Step 1: Explore Your Options
First things first: Do your research. If you love tinkering with mechanical parts, but aren’t sold on the idea of working in a service shop, take the time to fully explore all your possible career options as a mechanic.
For instance, you could become an aircraft mechanic and potentially make around $64K working on aircrafts of various sizes. If that doesn’t interest you, HVAC mechanics and industrial machinery mechanics also earn great wages.
Bottom line? There are loads of career pathways for mechanics. You just need to find one that aligns with your interests.
Step 2: Get Your Diploma or GED
If you haven’t already gotten your high school diploma or equivalent, start working on that first. To become a successful mechanic, you may need basic skills in chemistry, physics, and other areas of physical sciences. Plus, you’ll need your diploma before you can enroll in a vocational school (more on this shortly).
Step 3: Complete a Formal Training Program
So, what is vocational school and how does it help you launch your career as a mechanic? Also referred to as trade school, vocational school is a type of educational institution that teaches students the job-ready skills they need to work in their field.
At a mechanic vocational school, you can take technical courses in a specific field of mechanics (such as automotive) and get hands-on experience in a learning environment. These programs often take less than a year and allow you to take the next step in your career: certification.
Tip: Already working in a mechanic shop as a helper or assistant? Talk with your boss about your career aspirations. They may offer tuition reimbursement that can help pay for your education!
Step 4: Get Certified
Once you complete your training program and have worked as a mechanic for a certain length of time, you can become certified in your field. For auto mechanics, this can be achieved through the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization that tests and certifies automotive mechanics and technicians.
While you don’t necessarily need to complete this step to begin working as a professional mechanic, it certainly helps boost your employment prospects. Having certification distinguishes you from others and proves that you have both the education and skills to succeed in your field.
Step 5: Keep Learning
Having a learning mindset is key to staying competitive in the mechanic industry. Given how quickly technologies can change, keeping up with the latest skills and techniques is critical to securing long-term employment.
Keep in mind that you can also continue your education by getting an associate degree in automotive technology or a similar field. Taking relevant courses may help you pass the eight examinations that are required to earn master mechanic certification from ASE.
Final Destination: A Rewarding Career
If you value job stability and want opportunities for career advancement, learning how to become a mechanic could be well worth your while. Plus, you’ll learn skills that will no doubt save you tons of money in auto repairs! While that may not be the entire reason you should become a mechanic, it could be the tipping point for you.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How can aspiring mechanics stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive technology landscape?
Auto mechanics must continuously update their skills through on-the-job training, which can take two to five years to reach a proficient level.
To stay ahead:
– Pursue specialized training in emerging technologies like electric and hybrid vehicles
– Attend workshops and seminars on advanced diagnostic software and tools
– Seek certifications in specific areas like engine repair or electrical systems
– Engage in online courses focused on the latest automotive technology trends
What role does customer service play in an auto mechanic’s career progression?
While technical skills are crucial, customer service skills can significantly impact an auto mechanic’s career:
– Develop strong communication abilities to explain complex repairs to customers
– Practice active listening to understand customer concerns and build trust
– Learn to manage customer expectations regarding repair timelines and costs
– Cultivate a professional demeanor that instills confidence in your expertise
These skills can lead to increased customer loyalty and potential advancement to leadership roles within repair shops or dealerships.
How can auto mechanics leverage industry certifications to specialize in niche areas?
Specializing in certain areas, such as automotive air-conditioning or roadworthy assessments, requires additional licensing and further study.
To carve out a niche:
– Research emerging specialties like autonomous vehicle systems or performance tuning
– Obtain Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications in specialized areas
– Consider manufacturer-specific certifications for luxury or high-performance vehicles
– Explore certifications in alternative fuel systems or electric vehicle maintenance
Specializing can lead to higher-paying positions and opportunities in specialized repair shops or research and development roles.
What strategies can automotive service technicians use to maintain physical health throughout their career?
The physical demands of being an auto mechanic can take a toll over time. To maintain long-term health:
– Invest in ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain on joints and muscles
– Practice proper lifting techniques and use assistive devices for heavy components
– Implement a regular stretching routine before and after shifts
– Rotate between different types of tasks to avoid repetitive strain injuries
– Consider pursuing additional certifications that allow for a mix of physical and diagnostic work
By prioritizing physical well-being, automotive technicians can extend their careers and potentially transition into less physically demanding roles within the automotive service industry as they gain experience.
