Specific Training and Requirements for an Auto Mechanic
- An auto mechanic must know the inner workings of many car parts.New car petrol engines image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
Everyone who has experienced car trouble knows how important a quality auto mechanic can be. Someone who has the ability to figure out what is wrong with a vehicle and can get it back in proper working order as soon as possible can seem worth their weight in gold. It takes specific experience and know-how to be able to accomplish this task efficiently. - One of the most important requirements for becoming an auto mechanic is the complete understanding of how a car works. The mechanic, depending on his specialty, should understand every detail of the systems he works on whether it is the way an engine is put together and how it operates or the electrical system that controls the lights, instruments or accessories.
- Formal training for an auto mechanic may involve high school vocational classes or post-secondary vocational and technical school mechanics courses. Many community colleges offer courses specifically for auto repair and maintenance and some incorporate other subjects such as English and history so that the mechanic in training can obtain an associate's degree.
More commonly those who plan on pursuing a career as an auto mechanic will spend six months to one year in a program than combines classroom and live training. Many of these students earn a repair certification. - Although many workers in this field undergo formal training, much of what is learned by new mechanics is through working side-by-side with more experienced mechanics. Simply observing the processes of repairing and maintaining automobiles teaches the new worker very effectively, and then they slowly begin taking on more responsibility until they are comfortable doing most of the work themselves.
- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established in 1972 so that people would be aware of the quality of mechanic working on their cars. These ASE certified mechanics must pass one or more ASE exams concerning different aspects of auto repair specialties, such as heavy trucks, school buses, collision repair and more.
When a mechanic passes one of the tests and can prove two years of working experience relevant to the subject, the candidate becomes ASE certified. The certifications are good for five years.
