If you like tinkering with cars and have an interest in mechanics, Automotive Technology is an educational path that offers many opportunities. Through 2008, there will be almost 12,000 job openings in automotive mechanic and service technician occupations. Most of these positions require postsecondary vocational training.

Entry-level positions for automotive service technicians are available in dealerships, independent garages, service stations, and automotive machine shops. Graduates are also employed as sales representatives for parts manufacturers and distributors, as claims adjusters for insurance companies, and as automotive service instructors. Graduates with practical experience, education and a high degree of professionalism may expect to move into management positions.

This pathway builds technical knowledge and skills to diagnose, repair, service, and maintain all types of automotive vehicles. Technical competencies include, but should not be limited to, skills required for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification:

• Suspension and Steering
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronic Systems
• Engine Performance
• Engine Repair
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
• Manual Drive Train and Axles

As well as:

• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with others