Some states require aspiring service technicians to be trained in both mechanics and industrial maintenance and repair. In many states, the training must occur in a dealership or facility run by the Department of Motor Vehicles. In most states, becoming a certified mechanic takes 2 years of college courses and one year of relevant experience, such as on the job training. In order to gain employment as a service technician, states require that applicants have passed the Certified Automotive Service Technician (CAS) examination. In addition to passing the exam, students must complete a test that covers topics such as automotive service procedures, vehicle orientation, repair techniques, repairing parts and repairs, preventive maintenance, repair tools and equipment, auto electronic fundamentals, and basic mechanical skills.
In the past, Certified Automotive Service Technicians (CAS) had to complete either a collision repair or a body shop certification course in addition to their studies. Currently, however, because of rising labor costs, fuel costs, and increased competitiveness, certified technicians have the option of taking a combination of college courses and on-the-job apprenticeship programs. These programs help technicians gain much needed practical experience. In addition, these programs provide students with the opportunity to learn the latest techniques, trade secrets, and techniques that help keep an automobile running efficiently.
As more people are choosing to keep their cars and trucks in their own garage instead of having them towed to a body shop, demand for Certified Automotive Service Technicians is on the rise. The number of body shops that accept certificates has also risen. If you are interested in becoming one of these repair technicians, there are many ways to get started. To begin, contact a local body shop and ask them if they are accepting new certified technicians. If they are not, some shops will assign a technician who has completed a certain number of hours of training to an individual customer.
Technicians employed by manufacturers generally belong to a Professional Association of paint technicians, or PAT. In the U.S.A., there are several such organizations. For example, the Society of Automotive Technologists and the Society of Automotive Engineers both have national organizations. In Canada, there is the Canadian Paint Contractors Association. In general, the better known and more professional associations of this type offer higher wages, higher coverage, a better warranty and overall better job security.
Technicians employed by independent body repair shops generally belong to an independent organization, usually a small, regional body repair shop. This kind of shop would not be affiliated with a larger professional association or trade group. The parts would be acquired from an off-site manufacturer, as part of an on-site repair process. This shop would also have a few standard parts that it sells to most makes and models of vehicle that are compatible.
Technicians employed by larger auto body repair shops can typically specialize in one particular area of automotive repair. Specialized knowledge of particular car parts, especially complex in design or manufacture, is a must. Many technicians specialize in making and repairing front end transmissions, cylinder head gaskets, clutches, exhaust systems, water pump assemblies, starter drives, etc. A technician may specialize in a particular make, model, or type of vehicle and specialize in a specific part.
Employers of an auto body shop should train their employees to keep up with the latest technological developments. It is a good idea for technicians to learn how to troubleshoot specific makes and models, such as Ford, GMC, Mercedes, Honda, etc., using specific parts and repairing them according to manufacturer specifications. Employees should also become familiar with auto body shop parts and how they work. They should be able to supply information to the insurance company if needed for repairing a collision.ord road automotive Lastly, workers should be familiar with general auto repair techniques, which will ensure they do not cause an accident.
