Auto Technician
Job in about 50 words:
If you don't mind the smell of 5W-30 in the morning and you took apart (and put back together) your clock radio when you were just 5 years old, there could be a spot for you under the hood of someone's 1997 Mercury Tracer. You could be performing oil changes on the ground floor, running computer diagnostics or trying to figure out why that darn horn won't toot.
Auto technician job skills/requirements:
The good news is that your training will teach you everything you need to know to succeed as an auto mechanic. But here are a few skills and abilities you should have from the get-go:
- Customer service savvy: Odds are that if someone's car is being serviced, then they're not in a good mood, so you should be able to deliver bad news with tact and grace. And make sure to wash the grease off before shaking hands and handing over the keys.
- Sense of urgency: Customers can only read last month's People magazine in the waiting room so many times before they start getting antsy. This is a field in which you need to work hard, fast and smart. (And be sure to stock the waiting room with current reading material).
- Mechanical ability: You don't have to know everything about cars. Most employers offer extensive training. You do, however, have to have a knack for problem solving and figuring out how things work.
- Must have valid driver's license: Not only will you likely be driving cars into and out of the garage, but you really need driving experience considering that you're working on cars (sneaker designers have to know how to walk, right?).
- Must be able to lift 40-50 lbs.: When you work in a garage, you can cancel your gym membership.
- At least 17: Typically, you must be 17-18 years of age to start. You need a little experience behind the wheel before you’re repairing and replacing four of them.
Expected hours:
Most employers of auto mechanics and auto technicians offer flexible schedules, so you could work anywhere from 15-35 hours a week.
Dress the part:
You'll likely receive a comfortable company uniform. Don't worry about stains, rips, drips and tears – you're not going to need to get this outfit dry-cleaned.
Job myth:
Auto mechanics and technicians hang out underneath cars all day long.
Nope. As an auto mechanic, you're going to need to perform a fair share of customer service – from a standing position. Whether you're collecting info from customers about what's wrong with their car or you're explaining the diagnosis and available options, you should be comfortable talking to strangers. And for when you're calling to tell drivers that they need a new transmission, practice delivery of this key phrase, "The good news is the glove compartment works..."
Expert advice:
Take advantage of the training opportunities and the experience of others, as these can go a long way in determining your career path. Here is some advice from a Valvoline Service Center manager:
"It means so much to me that my manager has taken the time to help me advance in the company and show me that he cares about my wellbeing. When I started as a technician I didn't have any automotive experience and through the help of my manager and the training provided, I have worked my way up to a Service Center Manager. If I can do this, you can too."
Auto technician career path:
- Certified Technician ($35,000 to $40,000/year)
- Assistant Manager ($40,000 to $50,000/year)
- Service Center Manager (About $60,000/year)