Even though auto mechanics have been around for a long time, there is a lot of misinformation floating around about what their careers are actually like. Because of that, students considering a career working with cars might not fully understand the profession and all it entails, and might picture a life spent in grease-soaked coveralls while elbow-deep in a mess of gears and rust.
If you are looking for a little clarity about what it’s really like to work in the automobile industry, here are a few of the most enduring bits of misinformation about the profession, debunked.
Myth 1: Professionals With Auto Certification Only Do Hands-On Technician Work
Sure, there is still plenty of opportunity and need for getting your hands dirty repairing or replacing parts in cars, but the nature of modern cars is such that auto repair professionals also do, as needed, mechanical work, electrical work, and even computer work when repairing cars.
Thanks to new electronic diagnostic equipment, working as an auto mechanic is cleaner than ever. And for students passionate about cars, but a little less passionate about getting their hands dirty, there are also plenty of career paths that don’t require the same hands-on work as a mechanic. Auto service advisors, estimators, and professionals working in auto sales can all enjoy a career in the auto industry without worrying about getting their hands dirty.
Myth 2: Working in Automobile Repair Doesn’t Pay Well
Another pervasive myth is that entering the auto repair field means accepting a life of low wages. The truth—which students pursuing auto certification will be glad to learn—is that it’s possible to make good money in this line of work.
According to Payscale.com, entry-level salaries for automotive technicians start at around $30,000, but can go all the way up to $100,000. This will depend on location, employment progression over the course of a career, and the revenue of the employing business, but there is certainly potential for earning a very high salary after some time working as an auto repair mechanic.
Myth 3: Auto Careers Are Boring
Some people might look at a day spent maintaining or inspecting vehicles and think it’s not fun, or not engaging. But, if you are interested in an auto career, you know that’s far from the truth. In fact, many have argued that careers in the automotive industry are more intellectually stimulating than quite a few office careers around.
Interacting with clients, conducting diagnostic work, and finding solutions to problems are all part of the job when you pursue an auto career. Contrast that with sitting at a desk in an office and filling out reports or spreadsheets all day. Which one really sounds boring?
Myth 4: Working With Cars Means Working In A Garage
Many professionals who work with automobiles do work at a garage or repair shop, but there are other possibilities available as well.
New and used car dealerships, specialty shops, and garages specializing in heavy equipment are all potential options for recent graduates who want to work with cars. Depending on your interests—you might have a real passion for specialty construction vehicles, for example—one kind of establishment might be a better fit for you than the others. Take advantage of your time in school to figure out the kind of place where you would like to work, and then make your choice from the many options available.
Persistent myths make it a little difficult to figure out just what an auto career can be. Fortunately, by knowing a little more about what’s fact and what’s fiction, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which career path is best for you.
Are you thinking about getting auto mechanic certification, or pursuing an auto career?
Visit Automotive Training Centres for more information or to speak with an advisor!
