Automotive Schools and Careers

It’s hard to get to the supermarket, visit your friend or even travel to your favorite place without a vehicle. Because of the importance of automobiles, it is a great career opportunity for people to work in the automotive industry.

The automotive industry has multiple career options available to those who really love cars. Whether you want to work in engineering or in repair services, you can find several ways to work on, repair, or design vehicles.

However, there is a lot to learn about cars, from the way they work to the best tools and methods needed to repair them, before entering the industry. The demand for automotive repair specialists is high and you can definitely find a career in the field with the right knowledge. 

The best way to earn this knowledge is through automotive schools. This guide will show you all you need to know about automotive schools and what opportunities they create for you upon graduation. 

Types of Automotive Schools

There are two types of automotive schools – Community and Technical Colleges, and Vocational Schools – for those who want to work in the auto industry. 

Community and Technical Colleges

Technical schools, colleges and universities are among the best when it comes to preparing for a career in the automotive industry. From working as an engineer to specializing in automotive technology, there are several majors and programs for you to choose from when it comes to automotive schools. 

The length of these programs varies and can take anywhere from two years to complete to four or six years if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Vocational Schools

Vocational schools, an umbrella term typically used to describe technical or trade schools, are specialized schools that train students for more hands-on careers. Automotive vocational schools last from two to four years.

Throughout these programs, students learn how to inspect, maintain and repair engines, along with other automotive systems from heating and cooling systems to electrical systems and much more.

The hands-on training that vocational schools provide gives graduates all of the tools they need to start their career in the automotive industry. Many people who graduate from these vocational programs end up working as a mechanic or in other fields of automotive repair. 

Automotive School Career Prospects

There are several automotive positions available to those who complete an automotive program. Below is a list of some of the more common automotive careers graduates of automotive schools enter.

Auto Body Repair Technician

An auto body repair technician is responsible for making sure that a vehicle is safely and efficiently repaired. These repairs involve fixing suspension, dents, windows, wheel alignments and more after a vehicle has been damaged. The focus of an auto body repair technician is on the exterior of the vehicle.

Auto Mechanic

Auto mechanics perform maintenance, diagnostic testing and repairs on the mechanics of the vehicle. They work on the motorized components of the vehicle, such as power steering, brakes, drive belts and transmissions. Newer vehicles can be plugged into diagnostic testing machines, which tells the mechanic what repairs are required. 

Auto mechanics have an intensive level of knowledge and understanding when it comes to vehicle regulations and technological systems, and make sure the vehicle is safely operational.

Auto Designer

Auto designers have the responsibility of developing the appearance of both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. When working in this field, auto designers combine art, engineering, business and more to ensure the vehicle is aerodynamic, functional, cost-effective and appealing to the eye. 

The designer works with auto engineers to make sure technology is implemented in an efficient way. The designer also works with process engineers to ensure that the vehicle is manufactured in an efficient manner when it comes to the aesthetic aspects of the vehicle. 

Auto Electrician 

Auto electricians deal with inspecting, repairing and maintaining a vehicle’s electrical components. Electrical components of vehicles include the dashboard lights, alarms, circuit boards, starter and headlights of the vehicle.

Auto electricians typically work in either auto body shops with other technicians or mechanical shops, but still primarily focus on the electric issues of a vehicle. Some newer vehicles can be plugged into computerized diagnostic systems to determine what issues there are with the vehicle. 

Auto Instructor 

Auto instructors teach college or high school students about vehicle repairs, mechanical features, engines, electrical systems and more. They may focus on one or two specific areas or focus on the basics of all the components of a vehicle.

Auto instructors typically work in a specialized shop classroom, where students gain more hands-on experience when it comes to repair and maintenance of a vehicle. In order to become an auto instructor, you must earn a state teaching license. 

Vehicle Inspector

A vehicle inspector ensures that vehicles meet safety standards and report violations or recommend repairs that they see fit. Vehicle inspectors check cars for damages and drive them to make sure they aren’t malfunctioning. 

A vehicle inspector also reviews car emission levels and customizations added to the vehicle to make sure they meet all regulations. If the vehicle ever needs repairs, the inspector reviews the vehicle after repairs to make sure the vehicle meets all standards before it is placed on the road. 

Conclusion

Graduating from automotive schools offers many career opportunities to those who have a love of vehicles and how they work.

From vehicle inspections to working in the industry and creating the next vehicles you see on the road, there are numerous opportunities in the auto industry. 

If you have a love of vehicles and want to repair, maintain, inspect or even design vehicles, then receiving automotive training from an automotive school is a great way to get started.