Trade and Industrial Education
Automotive Servicing: Beginner comprehends various diverse practical and visual skills with knowledge of specialized materials and techniques. An automotive service technician (or auto mechanic) is someone who inspects, maintains, and repairs electric, gas, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. In smaller businesses, their duties may include a full range of repair and maintenance services. Their job may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or more parts as assemblies. This book will introduce the knowledge and skills for those studying and/or working in automotive industry to interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.
About this Book
The information in this book consist of competencies that a person must achieve to perform basic engine servicing, removal and installation of vehicle components for both diesel and gasoline-engine powered vehicles. A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be automotive mechanic assistant and automotive junior mechanic
About the Automotive Servicing Industry
An automotive service technician diagnoses and repairs cars or light trucks, often as an employee of an auto shop or dealership. Other duties of an automotive service technician include inspecting vehicles, performing routine service and keeping records of work done. Day-to-day duties expected of automotive service technicians include the analysis of cars to determine what is wrong in unique circumstances, the use of testing equipment following repairs to ensure that automobiles are safe to drive and interaction with car owners and customers to gain information about performance issues and communicate repair options and prices. Although not all automotive service technicians have had a formal education in their field, the majority have had some vocational training or hold a certificate or degree. Completing an educational track to become an auto service tech can take six months to two years and can lead to a certificate or associate’s degree. According to the BLS, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics was expected to grow at an average rate (17%) from 2010-2020 as older professionals retire. BLS figures show that the median salary for an automotive service technician or mechanic was $36,610 per year in May 2012. However, many automotive service technicians work on commission, so hourly rates may fluctuate based on the flow of business.