After reading your article I completely agree with you. Higher end repair facilities are looking for qualified repair technicians. When they see a younger individual, who has dedicated their time and money to learning a specific trade, they see more potential and ability that they can have on their shop floor. They will be more willing to pay more for an educated technician, because of the educational value that you will be bringing to the whole company. It is simple economics, The “Opportunity Cost” that you have invested in yourself, raises your gross value as an individual, allowing the employer to be able to pay you more because over an elastic portion of time, you will also educate the shop you work in. Knowledge is contagious, and the method of heating and beating, caving and paving are long gone. Technicians with knowledge of metalogy, OEM procedures, and proper repair techniques are needed, and the industry as a whole are searching for these individuals.
As the industry is progressing, the cars are becoming extremely complex. The best advice that I can give is become specialized. Look for companies that offer certification programs with specific manufactures, or certify in advanced materials such as Aluminum or bonding and riveting advanced technology. The sooner you get involved in this material, the more experience you can gain through it.
The income level that was mentioned by Donnie is a reasonable average ( $52,000 ). But I have also come across multiple technicians and painters from all over that country that have earning levels up to $180,000. Yes that sounds like a myth, but extremely possible if you get involved in the right programs and right shops. You should not get tunnel vision and only concentrate on one manufacture, because this will only hurt you in the long run. Also, don’t expect this type of pay straight out of college chair.
If anyone is interested in pursuing OEM training or advanced training programs please don’t afraid to contact me. I am more than willing to point you in the right direction.
Anonymous says
June 7, 2010 at 10:17 amNicholas, great post! This should be very encouraging for the potential this industry offers. Thanks for posting, Donnie Smith
Steven says
June 21, 2010 at 6:58 amIn the modern world, automobiles are operated by electronic systems and complex computers, measuring performance and efficiency as the machines move down the road. Students in Automotive Training schools must develop skills as technicians to become high-tech diagnosticians, using electronic equipment and computer-based reference materials. Diagnosing the sources of problems quickly and accurately can be the most challenging and most rewarding part of a good automotive training program.