Auto Mechanic

If a career as an automotive mechanic revs your engine, here's what employers are looking for:

• Successful completion of an automotive service technology training program
• Strong communication skills
• Aptitude for analytical problems
• Knowledge of how automobiles work

All that, and a love for cars!

The increasing reliance of cars on computers and software is changing not only what your corner auto mechanic does, it is also changing the name of your mechanic—to automotive service technician. How's that for a twelve-cylinder word?

Here are education tips to consider:

• The sophistication of automotive technology increases daily, so the best training for an auto mechanic is a postsecondary automotive technician-training program. No college necessary.
• Many community colleges offer two-year associate's degrees in Automotive Technology, but all postsecondary programs provide six-month to two-year intensive classroom instruction, combined with hands-on practice. This gives you free license to tinker on other people's cars instead of just your own.
• Get this: Automobile manufacturers often sponsor these postsecondary programs, which benefits both students and dealerships. Here's how—most new cars are equipped with numerous onboard computers, and the technologies change depending on the manufacturer. By joining a sponsored program, aspiring mechanics get to dirty their hands while earning an associate's degree, plus they become experts on one brand of vehicle, say BMW, rather than learn the intricate technology unique to every brand of car.

One thing is certain—you will get dirty in this profession. Your work clothes will be permanently stained with oil, you'll shun an office for a slab of concrete floor, and you'll be expected to interact with customers who don't speak car-talk. But if you love cars and solving problems, your workweek will fly by. Which is a good thing, because most mechanics work upwards of 40 hours a week.

Job opportunities look good for auto technicians; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increase of 9 percent -17 percent is expected through 2014. Auto technicians can expect steady work anywhere the road takes them.