Automotive Technology
Have you ever heard of the term automotive technology and left wondering what it’s all about? Automotive technology is study program that focuses on technology and mechanics that drive or power today’s vehicles. Simply put, it is the intersection of innovative technologies and automotive transportation and covers a wide array of technologies with many sub-categories, a majority of which are about entire industries themselves such as electric cars.
The desire of our society to always remain connected has brought about new technologies, a majority of which have proved to create a synergistic relationship for both the auto and technology firms.
A career in this field involves repairing and maintaining systems in vehicles, with the ability of specializing and focusing on specific systems such as diesel engines and brakes among other parts of a vehicle.
Innovations that are currently being rolled out such as environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity that has made it possible to take on the phone while driving seems to have significantly impacted the automotive transportation. All in all, the field of automotive technology is projected to grow and evolve with safer and efficient modes of transportation such as self-drive vehicles
Job Outlook for Automotive Technicians
The job outlook for automotive technicians is expected to grow immensely over the next decade. In fact there are reports that a lot of skilled workers currently on the job, are about to retire and being replaced by new trained experts. Based on the reports published by United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, automated service technicians held more than 633,390 jobs in 2014 alone.
As of today, the demand for automotive technicians seems to be on the rise with a lot of such professionals finding employment in repair shops, automotive parts garages/stores, local government, and hundreds of automotive dealerships across the country.
In fact, there are reports that the demand for automotive technicians will grow as fast as the average among every other occupations in the next decade. Such claims have been backed by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and other notable bodies. In fact, the number of positions is expected to increase by 5% over that period, an aspect that will result in more than 38,000 new jobs being created.
With the increasing number of vehicles on our roads expected to rise exponentially, the need for automotive technicians will also increase. Additionally, the increase multi-car families coupled with a growth in the people who can drive will mean that the demand for automotive technicians will also increase not forgetting the need for maintenance and repairs needed since vehicles are lasting longer.
Salary Details
A majority of automotive technicians work on commission that is related to the cost of labor. However, a lot of employers guarantee a minimum weekly salary with the BLS reporting that a good number of automotive technicians earned an hourly salary of $17.84 as of May 2014, a figure that resulted in a median yearly salary of $37,120.
As of October 31 2018, it was reported by the BLS that the average salary that automotive technicians earned in the United States was $38,479 though the range typically fell between $33,749 and $44,361.
As it appears, automotive technicians earn some good money. Among other rewarding careers that a lot of people have assumed out there, automotive technicians are some of the most handsomely paid professionals, especially in the United States.
Enhancing Job Prospects
According to the BLS, an automotive technician can expect a good job especially if he or she has got skills and proper education to work in this field. For this reason, formal training may go a long way into assisting one to stand to potential employers with the BLS further noting that some experience in hybrid fuels systems and computer systems may also help one improve his or her employability. However, if you don’t have formal training in place, you can expect to be met with a lot of competition. To enhance your job prospects, especially in large auto companies such as General Motors, Ford, and Chevrolet, you may need to undertake a formal training and try a hand in hybrid fuels and computer systems.
Other Important Facts about Automotive Technology
There are other important facts about automotive technology that those willing to pursue a course here need to be aware of. First, automotive technician certification needs experience and testing on matters to do with automotive systems. Secondly, dexterity, troubleshooting, and a steady hand in mechanical skills are a necessity. While the nature of this job will require one to work in an environment that has some ventilation and good lighting, there are instances where one will be required to work under some discomfort that can be caused or brought about by tight working spaces and grease.
Automotive Technology Schools: Lessons, cost and duration
There are plenty of institutions in place that offer a course in automotive technology with training programs at several community colleges and technical schools spread across the country typically lasting for two years. This will later lead to an associate’s degree in the same field.
To become an auto mechanic, you need to earn a certificate or an associate’s degree in this field from a school or an institution that’s recognized by major car manufacturers and automotive technicians.
In the United States for instance, auto tech training is offered by hundreds of community colleges and technical schools such as the College of Southern Nevada, Northern Virginia Community College, Riverside Community College, Walla Walla University, University of Arkansas, McPherson College, Morrisville State College, and Vermont Technical College just to mention but a few.
Some common course topics that you can learn here include suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning systems, drivetrains, transmission, braking systems, electrical systems, and engine performance among others.
A lot of all the institutions that offer a course on automotive technology do so in a period of two years with a lot of them requiring its students to undertake internships so as to gain industry knowledge.
A course in automotive technology is offered by a number of institutions at a cost that depends depending on the college and the state. In a lot of colleges and other institutions that offer such a course, tuition includes program specific, comprehensive, and Students’ Association fees.
Automotive technology courses can be offered online or face-to-face with the costs varying by large degrees. However, on most occasions these programs can cost anywhere between $750 and $1,000. If you decide to take up a certificate program that last from six months to two years, then expect to pay fees that range from $5,000 to $20,000.
The tuition fees will cover tools, books, and other supplies that are needed to complete this course.
Why study automotive technology then? The reasons are plenty. Coupled with being in demand today, tomorrow, and undoubtedly for the foreseeable future, taking a course in automotive technology is rewarding based on its decent pay, job security, and other abundant opportunities that are bound to increase in the years to follow. If you are thinking of pursuing a course in automotive technology, then you are actually on the right career path that’s highly on demand.