Education experience of an automotive and diesel technician

To prepare for a career as an automotive technician, high school classes in automotive repair, electronics, English, mathematics and physics are helpful. Many employers will also be more impressed with a candidate who has some formal training experience. Formal training helps the automotive technician advance to higher-level, more complex work more quickly than on-the-job training will allow.

Vocational-technical schools and community colleges are great resources for information on training programs. The program lengths range from six months to two years and may provide either a certificate or an associate degree upon completion. The program will consist of a combination of classroom work and hands-on experience with the equipment real professionals use.

Alternately, if an aspiring technician chooses to train on-the-job, instead of through a formal training program, he or she will first be responsible for cleaning parts, fueling and lubricating vehicles and driving vehicles into and out of the shop. These technicians will need between three and four years of experience to gain the experience needed to advance in the field.

After becoming more familiar with this career and its requirements, many diesel and automotive technicians increase their opportunity for advancement within the profession by attaining certification. Certification is usually not required by employers, but it may help set an individual apart from his or her peers and show an exceptional commitment to the work. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the recognized industry credential for automotive and diesel technicians.

Candidates for certification:

• Must have at least two years of relevant experience
• Must be retested every five years to remain certified
• Are allowed to choose to focus in particular areas of specialty (such as brakes, electrical systems, inspection or many others)