How To Become An Automotive Apprentice

Automotive service excellence does not occur by accident. It is the result of hands-on work experience and dedicated job training. The best way to become an automotive apprentice is to enroll in a top-quality auto service tech training program.

A technician training program takes about 9 months to complete. It will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians in an auto dealership. Most importantly, it will help prepare you to take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. 

What Is An Apprenticeship?

“Apprenticeships are for workers new to a field who need to learn and increase their skills…This work arrangement allows for workers to learn a valuable trade while actually working in the field.” – Mark Wertz, Learn How to Become

An automotive service apprenticeship is a type of hands-on training work experience that enables a school student to earn money while learning how to be an auto mechanic. An apprentice mechanic works alongside a master mechanic to develop the skills and abilities needed to succeed in a career in the automotive industry.

If you are a high school student nearing graduation and have always dreamed of working as a mechanic, then apprenticeship training is an excellent option for you. While industry experience is not a necessity, you usually need a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for an apprenticeship. 

What Are Apprentice Mechanic Duties?

The duties of an apprentice mechanic are working on the day-to-day tasks of a certified auto tech. Overall, the primary goal of an apprenticeship is to give the apprentice an opportunity to perform the key tasks they would perform as a certified auto technician or an auto mechanic. In most cases, apprentices may begin by performing tasks that are simple but important. For instance, they may start by helping to organize the repairs department and assist with ordering parts. They also shadow their supervisors and shop managers and assist them in completing projects.

Once they master basic tasks and become familiar with procedures, apprentices can begin to perform simple jobs on their own. For example, they may change brake pads, replace car batteries, and learn how to follow servicing checklists. They may also begin diagnosing problems and trying their hand at repairing auto components.

Apprentice responsibilities may also include the preparation of automotive repair estimates and customer service duties. Part of being an auto technician or mechanic involves providing cost estimates; therefore,  apprentices will often create quotes with the guidance from their supervisor. Ideally, an automotive apprentice will become comfortable with all key aspects of the job.

How Much Does an Automotive Apprentice Make?

“Apprentices start working when they enter an apprenticeship, with steady wage increases as they become more proficient. The average starting wage for an apprentice is $15.00 per hour.” – U.S. Department of Labor

You may be wondering, “How much do auto apprentices get paid?” You may also be curious about when you would get paid and how payment would be remitted. These are natural questions to have and are usually easy to answer.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices earn an average of $15.00 per hour. The exact compensation an apprentice receives depends on many variables. Compensation can rely on things like the state where the apprentice lives and the type of dealership or facility offering the apprenticeship.

Auto apprentices typically begin to earn money the first day they begin their apprenticeship. They are usually paid an hourly rate and receive payment according to the employer’s scheduled payroll dates.  

What Are Some Automotive Industry Jobs?

Completing auto service tech training will prepare you for a variety of jobs in the automotive industry. With training and a degree or certificate under your belt, you will have the education and training to pursue one of the following jobs:

• Automotive Technician: Key duties involve testing components and performing basic maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups.
• Automotive Mechanic: Auto mechanics diagnose and fix problems related to engines, transmissions, steering, brakes, and HVAC systems.
• Auto Body Technician:  Auto body techs repair a car after damage in an accident. They may remove old parts and replace them with new ones.
• Auto Electrician: This type of specialist installs and repairs electrical wiring and computerized equipment in cars and trucks. 
• Auto Inspectors: In this job, a technician measures vehicle emissions and examines components that must meet the required standards.

In addition to these jobs, automotive apprentices may decide to pursue related jobs such as auto detailers, painters, or auto parts handlers. After gaining experience, some people in these roles may decide to become an automotive dealer or to open their own automotive service shop.

Selecting The Best Automotive Apprentice Program

As outlined above, there are many career doors that can open if you complete an auto mechanic apprenticeship. Whether you see yourself working as a mechanic or long to own a chain of auto repair shops, a top auto mechanic apprentice program will prepare you for excellence.

But choosing the best auto service training is not always easy. With so many training programs available, it can be tricky to select the one that will best prepare you for potential jobs. As you compare training programs, look for those that are proven to help students achieve the following four goals:

• Gain hands-on experience in repair shops and other real auto workplaces
• Receive training by experts in engine repair, ignition systems, transmissions, and HVAC components
• Earn money while you learn the fundamentals of working as a mechanic on domestic and foreign vehicles
• Become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Southern Careers Institute (SCI) offers an auto service tech training program that is proven to help students achieve these four goals. To discover why aspiring auto mechanics across Texas choose SCI’s training program,  contact us to request additional information or schedule a visit. We look forward to meeting you!

Sources

https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/toolkit/toolkitfaq.htm

https://www.ase.com/Tests/ASE-Student-Certification.aspx

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/paid-training-job-programs/apprenticeships/

Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.