Are you passionate about everything automotive? Do you enjoy the challenges of working hands-on? Then why not consider an automotive service technician program. The automotive industry continues to be one of the largest and most important industries in the world. According to Statistics Canada, 96% of those employed in this trade work full time and are experiencing earnings growth. Students in automotive service technician courses gain learning experience in the basics of automotive service and repair. Schools offer actual auto shop experience, including expert instructors that combine classroom theory with hands- on training. The focus is on developing skills and becoming familiar with the day- to- day work experience of auto mechanics. Also touched upon are learning customer service techniques, writing or work-orders, handling of objections and the use of specialized software.
Automotive technician courses are available in many cities including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and are also available as an online training course. These same schools often also offer flexible class schedules, experience gaining practicums, help with career placement and even financial assistance. Experienced instructors with many years of field experience give you the classroom and hands-on shop training you need to succeed in an entry level position where you could diagnose and repair various makes of automobiles.
Typical courses in an automotive service technician program include, among others, Electrical Fundamentals; Service Lubrication and Cooling Systems; Operation and Servicing of Hydraulic Brake Systems and Preventive Maintenance.
Another important aspect to look for is a school that can offer an automotive service technician program that has auto mechanic certification, which is defined as a person who "repairs, adjusts and replaces mechanical and electrical parts of automobiles and light trucks in a retail automotive business." A typical certification such as this is comprised of three levels, each requiring 2000 working hours, or 6000 in total, including passing a written examination. A Red Seal Certification is a designation that enables you to work in any Canadian Province or Territory. It will require 9, 720 documented hours of directly related work experience.
Graduates of an automotive service technician program can find themselves working with new car dealers, in retail automotive repair facilities and organizations with fleet vehicles, for instance. Typical entry level positions for auto mechanic training include automotive detailer, tire installer, lube specialist and maintenance technician. There are a number of career advancement opportunities like muffler specialist, fuel specialist and transmission specialist, just to name a few.
You could certainly head in the right direction as an automotive service technician. Who knows - an automotive service technician program just may be the right thing for you!