Requirements for becoming an Auto Mechanic
Becoming a mechanic is much more complicated with today's vehicles than it was just a few years ago. What used to be a (relatively) simple matter of working on an internal combustion engine, along with the wiring and drivetrain has become something that is closer to being an IT specialist for computer systems. The entire auto industry has changed, so the mechanics that work on the cars have had to adapt and change.
There was a time when you could learn everything you needed to know being a "shade tree" mechanic. That is a person that works on friends' (and occasionally) their own cars. Usually they have had almost no formal training. They usually learned from an older relative at a young age and have continued to evolve their knowledge base with each vehicle they work on.
If you want to become a trained mechanic, able to work on modern cars tinkering around in a garage or backyard is not going to cut it. The vehicles on the road today are to0 complicated and computer controlled for a simple set of wrenches to fix a problem. You need diagnostic computers that are able to read trouble codes, the ability to upgrade software, and a better than average knowledge of computer systems. All of this in addition to the trusty old school mechanic's tool box.
How do you go about doing this? How does one become a mechanic in today's day and age? In a time that at the push of a button you talk to a live operator to help you with problems, GPS navigation systems that tell you exactly where you are, and even gauges that will tell you that the left rear tire is slightly low on air. How can a person get the knowledge that is needed to do all of this?
There are several options. Probably more than there have ever been before in history.
You can go to a junior college and get an Associates Degree in automotive science. Since it it a degree, you will be taking other classes as well that don't have to do with actually working on cars. They will be general education classes. While you will have a degree when you graduate, you don't have to stop there. You can transfer that degree (and the credits) to a 4-year university course and get a Bachelor of Science degree. It will be the same principle but much more in depth.
While the 4-year degree will take more time and cost more money, you will gain an amazing amount of knowledge. This will help in getting a job, as well as broaden your base of knowledge.
Another option is going to a college (either 2 or 4 year program) and taking the technical programs. This way all you have to attend is classes that specifically deal with your area of study. You will end up with a certificate and be a certified mechanic but won't have an actual degree. If school doesn't interest you but working on cars does, this might be a choice for you. You won't have to take a history class (unless they happen to throw one in on the history of the automobile).
In the past few years technical schools have sprang up all over the country. There was a time when there were only one or two that were specialty fields. Now there are these types of institutions all over the country and they have broadened their curriculum. Since automotive repair (being a mechanic) is a technical field, this type of an education could be the preferred way to get your education. A future employer will see that you went to a school that was either specifically geared to, or the program you were involved in, was completely about automotive repair.
As cars evolve into more and more complicated machines the job of a mechanic changes drastically. While all the bells, whistles and luxury items make the auto safer, easier and more fun to drive, it delivers the possibility of endless problems. Things that would never have been an issue in pre-1980s models can cause problems. Electronic traction control (not to mention a short somewhere in the system) would never have been an issue that a mechanic would run into (or even heard of.)
The overall point is, if you want to become an a car mechanic go to a formal school. You will need to know about the technology as well as the diagnostic tools to take care of it. Modern cars are controlled almost completely by computers. Everything from fuel injection to brakes and suspension. If you want to be able to get a job, you will need the formal training. The important thing is that the auto industry is similar to the medical field. Your education doesn't end with school. It is an ongoing process. As new technology hits the road, you have to be able to repair it.
There is a certain amount of job security in the profession though. As long as people drive cars, they will break down. There will always be a need to have someone to repair them.
