Automotive | All About Automotive

(ARA) - Young people anxious to get a job sooner rather than later, a job with excellent growth potential, a job that does not require four, five, six or more years of college should consider a career path in automotive technology.
The high-tech automotive technician armed with computerized diagnostic tools and engine analyzers has supplanted the old image of the auto mechanic. Officials with the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) -- the independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationally -- note that automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation.

High-tech systems unheard of 30 years ago are now common on the nation’s fleet of vehicles: stability and traction control systems, adaptive cruise control and variable valve timing, to name a few. And more changes are on the way: hybrid vehicles are becoming a reality, hydrogen fuel cells may become viable in the near-term; interactive suspensions, continuously variable-speed transmissions, and 42-volt batteries will soon become commonplace.

These developments spell good news for talented young people with math, science, communications and technical skills.

And unlike many high-tech careers that require extensive and expensive college training, automotive technology careers can begin after two years of college. As with any career, lifelong learning and updated training are necessary, but the simple fact is, students in automotive technology can get out into the real world sooner -- and with less college debt.

Moreover, job growth looks strong into the foreseeable future. Estimates of job growth range from 35,000 to 60,000 openings annually. Whatever the exact number, one thing is certain: the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics lists automotive technicians as one of the top 20 jobs with relatively high median earnings and the potential for significant job openings over the next decade.

And with the outsourcing of jobs picking up steam -- first manufacturing jobs, now computer programming, customer call-center work, and accounting services all going overseas -- it should be comforting to know that automotive service and repair is resistant to such moves.

So, what kind of work is out there?

The jobs run the gamut from line technician to service consultant, service director, or storeowner. There is work in parts, parts distribution and wholesaling; collision repair, painting, and damage estimating. There’s the growing field of high-performance machining and rebuilding. There is work in technical areas, training, or in management at the corporate level for national franchises, vehicle manufacturers, and private and municipal fleets. There are positions with high schools and community colleges as well as proprietary schools as instructors. Still other technicians find themselves moving into sales, marketing, and business management. Countless automotive aftermarket executives got their start turning wrenches. (Though nowadays the tool of choice is as likely to be a diagnostic computer and monitor.).

In fact, so many people have made their beginnings in the automotive aftermarket as an auto technician, that it is viewed as something of a portal career. And for those whose true calling is in the service bay, it’s far from a dead-end career. Top-notch technicians well versed in computer diagnostics and the latest engine performance and driveabilty solutions can and do command top-dollar salaries. Annual salaries of $75,000 or more are not unheard of for such pros. Pride in work, technical savvy, and craftsmanship are rewarded.

So if your child is chaffing to get out in the real world and make his or her mark, do consider automotive technology. Ask your child’s guidance counselor, or better yet, visit your local community college.

The nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) conducts the only nationally recognized certification program for automotive service professionals. ASE offers a wide range of tests that serve virtually every segment of the automotive service arena. Some 400,000 professionals hold current ASE certification. To learn more, go to www.ase.com.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, or NATEF for short, is ASE’s education arm. NATEF works closely with the automotive service industry to develop national standards for automotive training programs. Such programs, in turn, benefit students and employers alike by providing a steady stream of job-ready young technicians. For more information about NATEF’s programs, a list of certified automotive Vo-Tech programs in your area, and additional career information, visit www.natef.org.

By Carjunky

(ARA) - Many young people across America are immersed in all things automotive. With the popularity of reality shows such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Ride with Funkmaster Flex” and movies such as “The Fast and the Furious,” young people are fascinated by car culture. Yet, even as interest increases, there are still not enough qualified automotive technicians to help keep America’s cars on the road.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto dealerships employ 265,000 technicians, but still need to add an additional 35,000 technicians annually through 2010 to fill the need. Castrol SYNTEC recognizes that, in order to address the shortage, young people must be educated about the opportunities available in the automotive repair and service industry. The recent launch of the Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers Scholarship Program attempts to do just that.

Now in its fourth year, the program is committed to attracting young car enthusiasts to take interest and pursue careers in the automotive service and repair industry, while rewarding them for their passion, hard work and ambition. This year, one national winner will receive a $7,500 automotive scholarship to attend a racing or high performance automotive class and an apprenticeship at celebrity car enthusiast Funkmaster Flex’s Team Baurtwell Body Shop in New York.

“High-performing cars, trucks and motorcycles make my eyes widen and jaw drop. They’re the reason I get so excited about work every day,” says Funkmaster Flex. “I’m eager to share my love for vehicles with the next generation of ‘Outperformers’ because making vehicles look good, sound sweet and perform better only happens through knowledge and dedication to the trade. That’s why we’re offering the one winning Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer an apprenticeship with Team Baurtwell, an experience they can use now to help build a career for the future.”

For young car enthusiasts nationwide, the opportunity to become a 2005 Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer starts by accessing www.syntecoutperformers.com, where a few minutes of thoughtful writing can lead to an unforgettable scholarship and internship to help launch a rewarding career. Entries will be accepted between March 1 and midnight June 15, 2005.

In addition to entering the program here are a few basic tips for young car lovers to take to pursue a career in the automotive service industry:

* Talk to your guidance counselor or instructor. The first step in learning about any career is to speak to your school guidance counselor or teacher. Your educators can suggest the right classes to take, or additional sources to point you in the right direction.

* Take a class or join a local car club. The next step is to gain hands-on experience with your future. Take a basic automotive class or joining a local car club that regularly works on cars to gain firsthand knowledge and fundamental skills, and help determine whether the career is a right for you.

* Research job opportunities. There are plenty of jobs available for young automotive technicians, and identifying the best opportunities is critical to gaining experience. In addition to your local paper, regularly visit auto-focused career websites including autojobs.com and autojobstoday.com for entry-level listings. Also, check the job boards of industry associations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Training Managers Council. Many of these organizations have resources dedicated to helping young people get started in the industry.

* Secure an internship. One of the easiest ways to secure a new job is to show relevant experience. Take an internship or part-time job working at a local repair shop or dealership. The experience you gain there will prove invaluable as you search for a full-time job as a qualified automotive technician. Organizations such as Automotive Youth Educational Systems, which is dedicated to encouraging bright students to pursue careers in automotive service technology, can help you find opportunities with auto dealerships that are close to home.

(ARA) - Many young people across America are immersed in all things automotive. With the popularity of reality shows such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Ride with Funkmaster Flex” and movies such as “The Fast and the Furious,” young people are fascinated by car culture. Yet, even as interest increases, there are still not enough qualified automotive technicians to help keep America’s cars on the road.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto dealerships employ 265,000 technicians, but still need to add an additional 35,000 technicians annually through 2010 to fill the need. Castrol SYNTEC recognizes that, in order to address the shortage, young people must be educated about the opportunities available in the automotive repair and service industry. The recent launch of the Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers Scholarship Program attempts to do just that.

Now in its fourth year, the program is committed to attracting young car enthusiasts to take interest and pursue careers in the automotive service and repair industry, while rewarding them for their passion, hard work and ambition. This year, one national winner will receive a $7,500 automotive scholarship to attend a racing or high performance automotive class and an apprenticeship at celebrity car enthusiast Funkmaster Flex’s Team Baurtwell Body Shop in New York.

“High-performing cars, trucks and motorcycles make my eyes widen and jaw drop. They’re the reason I get so excited about work every day,” says Funkmaster Flex. “I’m eager to share my love for vehicles with the next generation of ‘Outperformers’ because making vehicles look good, sound sweet and perform better only happens through knowledge and dedication to the trade. That’s why we’re offering the one winning Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer an apprenticeship with Team Baurtwell, an experience they can use now to help build a career for the future.”

For young car enthusiasts nationwide, the opportunity to become a 2005 Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer starts by accessing www.syntecoutperformers.com, where a few minutes of thoughtful writing can lead to an unforgettable scholarship and internship to help launch a rewarding career. Entries will be accepted between March 1 and midnight June 15, 2005.

In addition to entering the program here are a few basic tips for young car lovers to take to pursue a career in the automotive service industry:

* Talk to your guidance counselor or instructor. The first step in learning about any career is to speak to your school guidance counselor or teacher. Your educators can suggest the right classes to take, or additional sources to point you in the right direction.

* Take a class or join a local car club. The next step is to gain hands-on experience with your future. Take a basic automotive class or joining a local car club that regularly works on cars to gain firsthand knowledge and fundamental skills, and help determine whether the career is a right for you.

* Research job opportunities. There are plenty of jobs available for young automotive technicians, and identifying the best opportunities is critical to gaining experience. In addition to your local paper, regularly visit auto-focused career websites including autojobs.com and autojobstoday.com for entry-level listings. Also, check the job boards of industry associations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Training Managers Council. Many of these organizations have resources dedicated to helping young people get started in the industry.

* Secure an internship. One of the easiest ways to secure a new job is to show relevant experience. Take an internship or part-time job working at a local repair shop or dealership. The experience you gain there will prove invaluable as you search for a full-time job as a qualified automotive technician. Organizations such as Automotive Youth Educational Systems, which is dedicated to encouraging bright students to pursue careers in automotive service technology, can help you find opportunities with auto dealerships that are close to home.

Courtesy of ARA Content