It’s almost impossible to fathom what the world would be like without the invention of the automobile. Considering the global production of automobiles is nearly 92 million vehicles annually, it’s easy to see why skilled automotive technicians are important to the auto industry. After all, someone has to keep the wheels turning and the engines humming. But what’s it really like to be one of these under the hood heroes? To answer that question, we’re taking an inside look at a day in the life of an automotive technician.
Just like a lot of professions, not all career paths in automotive technology are created equal. Your daily routine will depend on what the garage you work for is set up to do. For example, if your shop does primarily body work, your daily routine will be different from one that specializes in tires or brakes. Some shops provide full-service repairs and maintenance all under one roof. But in general, there are some common activities you can expect to be doing regularly as an automotive technician.
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting – Identifying the root cause of an issue and developing a repair plan is a pretty routine function in your daily life as an auto tech.
- Communicating with customers / preparing written estimates – Explaining and often demonstrating what the issues are and preparing detailed quotes for repairs.
- Sourcing parts and performing repairs – Tracking down common or hard to find parts and completing repairs.
- Performing preventative maintenance on vehicles. (tire rotations, oil changes, filter replacements.)
- Providing assistance with warranties and recalls.
Yes, a day in the life of an automotive technician might include all, or some of the above on any given day. But generally speaking, it will be far from routine. Because you’ll get to work with different people from all walks of life. But even better – you’ll be working on cars from all walks of life too. And if you’re a real motor head, that’s a job that will get you out of bed in the morning. Just imagine – one day you could be working on a ’69 Maserati and the next, an old school muscle car like a Chevy Camaro. Not to mention, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the median pay for automotive technicians as $42,090 a year. To summarize, you get to earn a good living doing something you love with people who love it too. What’s not to love about that?
Now you just need to get the training and skills you need to put your passion for all things automotive to work for you. And that’s where J-Tech comes in. The Automotive Technology Program at J-Tech Institute, that is. J-Tech is helping keep the world mobile, one engine and one student at a time. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule your visit to our 168,000 square foot facility in Jacksonville, FL.
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/262747/worldwide-automobile-production-since-2000/