Pub. 8 2019-2020 Issue 1

SUMMER 2019 13 JOBS EVERYWHERE, TRAINING EVERYWHERE Local dealerships that service new cars and heavy trucks exist in virtually every community across America, from Miami to Anchorage and everywhere in between. While some service jobs with on-the-job training are available at dealerships, more complex service work must be done by certified technicians. Prospective technicians can find state-of- the-art training in dynamic, two-year programs at community colleges or technical schools. Training and certification can also be achieved at some high schools. After an apprenticeship or training at a community college or technical school, technicians can receive ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications, the standard automotive industry certifications. More than 610 training programs exist in facilities across America in every state. NUMBER OF TRAINING CENTERS BY STATE SERVICE TECH JOBS ARE HIGH-TECH JOBS Years ago, “technician” took the place of “mechanic” in the auto- motive vocabulary, as cars and trucks – and the skills needed to service them – became increasingly complex. Today’s new cars and trucks take this to a whole new level. They are intricate systems combining computers and mechanical and software elements with precision cast parts. This means much of today’s service work involves the use of computers and high-tech diagnostic equipment. Working on these machines involves problem solving and can be both challenging and rewarding. “I SPEND ALMOST HALF OF MY TIME ON A COMPUTER. WE HAVE A LOT OF SOFTWARE RUNNING, A LOT OF ELECTRICAL IN THE VEHICLES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE NETWORKS RUNNING, SO IT’S NOT JUST NUTS AND BOLTS ANYMORE, IT’S UNDERSTANDING HOW ALL OF THE SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS WORK TOGETHER.” ~Todd Parker Master Technician