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What are my first steps to becoming an auto mechanic?
I am in 10th grade in high school. I am really interested in cars/motorcycles and want to have a career with them included.
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Skyler,
Blueprint for a Successful Auto Mechanic Career
Embarking on a career as an auto mechanic can be an exciting journey, particularly for those with a deep-rooted love for cars and motorcycles. Here's a roadmap to guide you on your path to becoming a skilled auto mechanic:
1. Build a Robust Educational Base:
Being in the 10th grade, it's crucial to concentrate on your high school studies. Opt for subjects like mathematics, science, and technology, which will lay a strong groundwork for understanding automotive mechanics.
If your school provides vocational or technical courses related to car repair, consider signing up. These classes offer practical experience and a jumpstart in learning about vehicle upkeep.
2. Acquire Real-World Experience:
Seek opportunities to gather hands-on experience working with cars or motorcycles. Begin by assisting friends or family with simple repairs or maintenance tasks.
Think about getting a part-time job at a car repair shop or dealership as a shop aide or apprentice. This will let you watch expert mechanics in action and learn from their proficiency.
3. Undertake Formal Training:
Post high school, think about joining a post-secondary automotive technology program at a technical institute or community college. These programs usually provide all-inclusive training in car repair and upkeep.
Some institutions also provide specialized certifications or associate degrees in automotive technology, which can boost your abilities and employability as a prospective auto mechanic.
4. Secure Certification and Licensure:
After finishing your formal education, think about getting certified by organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification showcases your aptitude and professionalism as an auto mechanic.
Depending on where you live, you might also need to secure a state license to work as an auto mechanic. Consult your local licensing board for specific prerequisites in your region.
By adhering to these steps and persistently refining your skills through practice and ongoing education, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful auto mechanic career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE):
ASE is a renowned organization that offers certification for automotive professionals. Their certification programs are broadly acknowledged in the industry and exhibit proficiency in various facets of car repair.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
The BLS provides valuable insights on the job prospects, earning potential, and educational prerequisites for auto mechanics. Their information can guide you in understanding industry trends and making educated decisions about your career trajectory.
Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES):
AYES is a collaborative initiative between automotive manufacturers, dealerships, and high schools, offering students practical training and internships in the automotive industry. Participating in AYES can be advantageous for acquiring practical experience and networking opportunities within the auto mechanics field.
Blessings,
JC.
Blueprint for a Successful Auto Mechanic Career
Embarking on a career as an auto mechanic can be an exciting journey, particularly for those with a deep-rooted love for cars and motorcycles. Here's a roadmap to guide you on your path to becoming a skilled auto mechanic:
1. Build a Robust Educational Base:
Being in the 10th grade, it's crucial to concentrate on your high school studies. Opt for subjects like mathematics, science, and technology, which will lay a strong groundwork for understanding automotive mechanics.
If your school provides vocational or technical courses related to car repair, consider signing up. These classes offer practical experience and a jumpstart in learning about vehicle upkeep.
2. Acquire Real-World Experience:
Seek opportunities to gather hands-on experience working with cars or motorcycles. Begin by assisting friends or family with simple repairs or maintenance tasks.
Think about getting a part-time job at a car repair shop or dealership as a shop aide or apprentice. This will let you watch expert mechanics in action and learn from their proficiency.
3. Undertake Formal Training:
Post high school, think about joining a post-secondary automotive technology program at a technical institute or community college. These programs usually provide all-inclusive training in car repair and upkeep.
Some institutions also provide specialized certifications or associate degrees in automotive technology, which can boost your abilities and employability as a prospective auto mechanic.
4. Secure Certification and Licensure:
After finishing your formal education, think about getting certified by organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification showcases your aptitude and professionalism as an auto mechanic.
Depending on where you live, you might also need to secure a state license to work as an auto mechanic. Consult your local licensing board for specific prerequisites in your region.
By adhering to these steps and persistently refining your skills through practice and ongoing education, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful auto mechanic career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE):
ASE is a renowned organization that offers certification for automotive professionals. Their certification programs are broadly acknowledged in the industry and exhibit proficiency in various facets of car repair.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
The BLS provides valuable insights on the job prospects, earning potential, and educational prerequisites for auto mechanics. Their information can guide you in understanding industry trends and making educated decisions about your career trajectory.
Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES):
AYES is a collaborative initiative between automotive manufacturers, dealerships, and high schools, offering students practical training and internships in the automotive industry. Participating in AYES can be advantageous for acquiring practical experience and networking opportunities within the auto mechanics field.
Blessings,
JC.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Skylar !
From what I have read on Elk River High Schools' website, your school doesn't offer Auto Mechanics so I understand that you may be wondering which way to take your interests. According to Mechanic Career Now, there is a list of schools you can go to near where you live. There are also some on line courses, but I would recommend an on site experience for this course of study.
About 18 miles from where you are, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer a school of Automotive Technology. A list of these schools are in a link that I have provided below. If you go to that webpage it will show an array of schools for various specialties, including even Marine Maintenance Fitter and Ship Repair Technician !
In the mean time, try to get experience working around cars whether it would be a paid job or volunteering. Also contact the schools to see if you could possibly audit a class and get a feel for what that course of study will be like. If you know any currently working auto mechanics, ask them if you could assist them and ask questions and start reading about engines, cars and anything that has to do with the specialty that you are interested in. A really fun thing to do also would be to go to a hobby shop and buy some model cars and assemble the cars. Think of it as practice. Also watch any auto mechanic channels on You Tube - there just may be instructional videos on there that can increase your insight.
Be persistent in your quest to start learning now. I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best with your studies !
https://mechaniccareernow.com/schools/minnesota-state-colleges-and-universities DEISEL TECHNOLOGY MECHANICS AND TECHNICIAN STUDIES
From what I have read on Elk River High Schools' website, your school doesn't offer Auto Mechanics so I understand that you may be wondering which way to take your interests. According to Mechanic Career Now, there is a list of schools you can go to near where you live. There are also some on line courses, but I would recommend an on site experience for this course of study.
About 18 miles from where you are, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer a school of Automotive Technology. A list of these schools are in a link that I have provided below. If you go to that webpage it will show an array of schools for various specialties, including even Marine Maintenance Fitter and Ship Repair Technician !
In the mean time, try to get experience working around cars whether it would be a paid job or volunteering. Also contact the schools to see if you could possibly audit a class and get a feel for what that course of study will be like. If you know any currently working auto mechanics, ask them if you could assist them and ask questions and start reading about engines, cars and anything that has to do with the specialty that you are interested in. A really fun thing to do also would be to go to a hobby shop and buy some model cars and assemble the cars. Think of it as practice. Also watch any auto mechanic channels on You Tube - there just may be instructional videos on there that can increase your insight.
Be persistent in your quest to start learning now. I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best with your studies !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Skyler,
Here are some steps to becoming an automechanic. Here's where I found the information:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/mechanics-education
Check to see if your high school has auto mechanic technical training/elective courses and enroll in them.
Graduate high school (Basic requirement for an auto mechanic).
Get a 2-year college degree or trade school certificate in automotive repair, automotive technology or a related field (Not an overall requirement but many jobs may require or prefer it).
Ask dealerships and garages to give you an internship at a dealership or garage (Not required but might be helpful to get started).
Get an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate (Not required overall but some jobs might require it. There are so many other types of automotive certificates listed in the link above).
Here are some steps to becoming an automechanic. Here's where I found the information:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/mechanics-education
Char recommends the following next steps: