When advancing in your auto-service career, tech schools dedicated to tire and auto service training are usually at the top of the list when it comes to preparing yourself for working on today’s advanced vehicles.
Continuing education is important. Like most professions, the more valuable you are, the more rewarded you will be. Workers who exceed ordinary levels of competency compared to their peers typically earn more. They also enjoy greater opportunity.
Tech schools can help working technicians stay ahead. They can help those entering the field build a firm foundation of understanding necessary for future success.
Among the industry’s best-known tech support organizations is the Tech Force Foundation, whose mission is to champion students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. The group collaborates with major aftermarket companies to support the transportation industry in order to develop tomorrow’s workforce of qualified technicians through financial help as well as mentorship and career development opportunities.
Many shops without apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs in place will not hire anyone who has not completed a vocational or post-secondary program in automotive technology. This is why tech schools are so important.
Some also provide specialty training programs such as diagnostics, brakes, etc. that can be helpful to distinguish you in the marketplace and for pursuing ASE credentials.
Some things to consider when selecting a program:
- Type of training –- Does the company/institute/etc. offer hands-on training in a real shop environment, classroom instruction, lectures or a combination?
- Training programs –- What are they known for? What do they specialize in?
- Class hours –- If you’re working full-time, evening or weekend classes may be important to you. Be sure the hours in class balance well with your other obligations to support your success in the program.
- Equipment -- Ask about the power tools, hand tools and testing equipment you’ll be using. Outfitting a learning environment can be expensive, so be sure the program continues to invest in the latest gear.
- Community and industry partnerships -- Find out the partnerships the program has with industry partners. If you’re looking to advance your career and eventually change jobs, those relationships can be beneficial.
- Career placement services –- Finishing your training and getting your certificate is good, but even better is walking out of your program and into a great job. Some technical schools will help with job placement upon program completion. In fact, many have very high placement rates for their graduates. Be sure to ask about employment help and other services beyond training alone.