Tuneup Technician

Job Duties

Tuneup technicians specialize in the adjustment or replacement of spark plugs and related parts, as well as ignitions valves and timing. They test systems using electronic testing devices, and also base their diagnosis on the information they receive from customers about the nature of the vehicle's malfunction. After isolating the specific problem, they determine the type of work that needs to be done. This may involve removing and testing sparkplugs, cleaning electrodes, setting spark gaps, and replacing sparkplugs. In addition, they may adjust carburetors, set valve tappets, check batteries, and adjust tension on fan belts. After completing the necessary repairs or replacements, they usually test-drive the vehicle to ensure it is in working order.

Job Skills

Tuneup technicians need to have good analytical skills, as well as strong interpersonal communication skills. Because they are constantly required to keep up with new technology and learn new techniques, they should have well-developed reading, mathematics, and computer skills. They need to have an overall understanding of how vehicles operate, as well as an aptitude for mechanical work. Due to the fast-paced increase in automotive technology, it has become highly advantageous for these workers to obtain proficiency with sophisticated computer and electronic equipment. Experience working on vehicle as a hobby, or in the Armed Forces, can be advantageous.

Income

In 2002, tuneup technicians earned a median hourly wage of $14.71. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $8.14, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $25.21. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of tuneup technicians:

• Local government $18.04
• Automobile dealers 17.66
• Gasoline stations 13.04
• Automotive repair and maintenance 12.77
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores 12.60

Training and Education

Tuneup technicians learn their trade through a wide variety of routes involving education, training, and certification. While a small number will learn only from assisting other experienced workers, it is highly recommended to complete some type of high school or post-secondary vocational school program. As technology becomes more complex, formal training becomes more important. The quality of high school programs can vary, but some programs, such as the Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES) offer students a basic technician certificate that they receive along with their high school diploma. After high school, there are many options. Trade and technical schools offer programs lasting from 6 months to a year, while community colleges provide more extensive programs that last as long as 2 years and supplement the automotive curriculum with English, mathematics, computers and other electives.

Some even add classes in customer service and stress management to help their graduates become more employable. Some automobile manufacturers offer 2-year certifications as well. For most employees, it will take between 2 and 5 years of on-the-job experience to become a fully proficient journey-level service technician. Tuneup technicians can voluntarily become certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) by having at least two years of experience and passing a written exam. You can check out a list of Auto Mechanic Schools by clicking on this link.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of tuneup technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Job demand will be created by general population increases, growth of the labor force, and rises in personal income enabling multiple car ownership. However, this demand will be somewhat offset by increases in technology making cars and trucks more reliable and durable. Job opportunities should be very good for people with formal education and training, especially in more advanced technology.

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Transmission Technician

Transmission technicians specialize in the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicle transmissions. The work with some of the most advanced technology in the auto service industry, focusing on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other transmission components. They diagnose vehicle problems using a wide variety of computer systems, as well as the customer's description of the trouble. They isolate and eliminate the systems that could not logically be the cause of the problem. Then, after completing the necessary repairs or replacements, they usually test-drive the vehicle to ensure it is in working order.

Job Skills

Transmission technicians need to have good analytical skills, as well as strong interpersonal communication skills. Because they are constantly required to keep up with new technology and learn new techniques, they should have well-developed reading, mathematics, and computer skills. They need to have an overall understanding of how vehicles operate, as well as an aptitude for mechanical work. Due to the fast-paced increase in automotive technology, it has become highly advantageous for these workers to obtain proficiency with sophisticated computer and electronic equipment.

Income

In 2002, transmission technicians earned a median hourly wage of $14.71. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $8.14, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $25.21. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of transmission technicians:

• Local government - $18.04
• Automobile dealers - 17.66
• Gasoline stations - 13.04
• Automotive repair and maintenance - 12.77
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores - 12.60

Training and Education

Transmission technicians learn their trade through a wide variety of routes involving education, training, and certification. While a small number will learn only from assisting other experienced workers, it is highly recommended to complete some type of high school or post-secondary vocational school program. As technology becomes more complex, formal training becomes more important. The quality of high school programs can vary, but some programs, such as the Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES) offer students a basic technician certificate that they receive along with their high school diploma. After high school, there are many options. Trade and technical schools offer programs lasting from 6 months to a year, while community colleges provide more extensive programs that last as long as 2 years and supplement the automotive curriculum with English, mathematics, computers and other electives. Some even add classes in customer service and stress management to help their graduates become more employable.

Some automobile manufacturers offer 2-year certifications as well. For most employees, it will take between 2 and 5 years of on-the-job experience to become a fully proficient journey-level service technician. For transmission technicians, it usually takes an extra 1 or 2 years of experience, due to the high level of technology involved. Transmission technicians can voluntarily become certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) by having at least two years of experience and passing a written exam. You can check out a list of Auto Mechanic Schools by clicking on this link.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of transmission technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Job demand will be created by general population increases, growth of the labor force, and rises in personal income enabling multiple car ownership. However, this demand will be somewhat offset by increases in technology making cars and trucks more reliable and durable. Job opportunities should be very good for people with formal education and training, especially in more advanced technology.

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Railcar Repair Tech

Railcar repairers service, maintain and repair a range of equipment, from railroad locomotives and related rolling vehicles, to streetcars, subway cars, and mine cars. They usually work for railroads, public and private transit companies, and railcar manufacturers. They perform routine maintenance on engines, as well as fuel, brake, and transmission systems to maximize performance and ensure safety. They often work with hydraulic systems, repairing fluid leaks and occasionally replacing components. They also diagnose electrical problems, disassemble and repair undercarriages and track assemblies, and sometimes weld frames and structural parts.

Job Skills

Employers usually look for candidates who are at least 18 years of age, in good physical condition, and who have an aptitude for mechanical work and problem-solving. Technicians need to be flexible, because they are constantly required to adapt to new technologies and to the needs of customers. They must also have the ability to read and interpret various types of complex service manuals.

Income

In 2002, railcar repairers earned a median hourly wage of $18.78. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $12.07, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $23.76. In the rail transportation industry, which employs the most railcar repairers, the median hourly wage was $19.72.

Training and Education

Although many people become railcar repairers by completing on-the-job training, it is highly recommended that candidates obtain some kind of formal education because that is what employers prefer. Community colleges, trade schools, and vocational schools all offer formal training programs from 6-month certifications to 2-year associate degrees. Some tailor their programs to railcar repair. These types of programs provide graduates with knowledge of the latest technologies and the ability to interpret complex technical manuals.

Often, experienced employees will be sent by their employers to special training classes organized by manufacturers and vendors. In these classes, workers are given the chance to update their skills and familiarize themselves with the latest technology and repair techniques. You can check out a list of Diesel Mechanic Schools by clicking on this link.

Employment

In 2002, railcar repairers held about 15,000 jobs. They represent the smallest section of the 176,000 jobs in the heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics category.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of railcar repairers is expected to increase more slowly than the average. However, employers have reported difficulty locating and hiring employees with a formal education. This is because many young people with the relevant training opt for jobs that offer more openings and areas in which to work, such as automotive service technicians, diesel service technicians, or industrial machinery repairers. As a result, for those seeking jobs as railcar repairers, and who have formal education in this field, opportunity will be very good.

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Motorcycle Mechanic Careers

Motorcycle mechanics repair and overhaul motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. At the moment most smaller motorcycles do not have very complex engine management systems, so this job has remained in the realms of mechanical engineering, but as the larger motorcycles use more electronic management systems, so their servicing has become more specialized.

Many mechanics specialize in the repair and overhaul of one or of a few types of equipment and closely related products. Most mechanics work for dealers who only service the product they sell. Mechanics work on all the systems of a vehicle, including transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems, and make body repairs as well as working on engines.

Because of the increasing complexity of the motorcycles, most employers will only hire mechanics who have successfully completed a formal training program. These are often combined classroom and on the job training, the classroom training being given in motorcycle mechanics schools. Even for experienced mechanics, continuous education is often advisable, as manufacturers bring out new products. Manufacturers will often run two or three day courses to keep mechanics informed about maintenance for new products.

Earnings are around $25,100 in 2000, according to the US Department of Labor. However the highest 10% earned more than $41,000.

Directory of Motorcycle Mechanic Schools

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Marine Mechanic

Job Duties

Marine mechanics, also referred to as motorboat mechanics or marine equipment mechanics, are responsible for the repair and maintenance both inboard and outboard boat engines. When working with these engines, they repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment in order to ensure it runs smoothly. Smaller boats usually have outboard engines that are portable, enabling customers to remove them and bring them into the repair shop. Larger boats, such as cruisers and fishing vessels, have inboard, diesel- or gasoline-powered engines. These engines are usually worked on at the marina or dock where the boat is stationed, although they are sometimes removed for major repairs and overhauls. Marine mechanics also repair other boat equipment, such as propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.

Job Skills

Marine mechanics should have a strong mechanical aptitude. They should be in good physical shape and be able to work in tight, enclosed spaces. They need to have the ability to communicate well with customers because they often make on-site calls. They need to have excellent manual dexterity and a high degree of patience and persistence.

Income

In 2002, marine mechanics earned a median hourly wage of $13.97. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $8.89, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $21.20. The industry employing the largest numbers of marine mechanics - motor vehicle dealers - had a median hourly wage of $13.00.

Training and Education

Most employers of marine mechanics prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from some type of formal training program. However, most mechanics learn their skills on the job because the number of formal programs is limited. Trainee jobs are usually filled by individuals who have an interest in mechanics and knowledge of small engines. Trainees learn from more experienced mechanics and gradually progress to more challenging responsibilities. Trainees may spend up to 3 years as an apprentice before they fully develop their skills in all areas of marine engine repair.

Many employers send mechanics to specialized courses in motorboat repair. These courses may last 2 weeks and upgrade the mechanic's skills based on new models of engines. Most mechanics have a high school diploma because the job requires basic reading, writing, and math skills. Mechanics who show leadership potential may be promoted to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Click here to see a list of Marine Mechanic Schools and to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, marine mechanics held about 22,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of marine mechanics is expected to increase about as fast as the average. This will partly due to the high number of workers expected to retire or transfer to other occupations. It will also be partly due to the growing number of people entering the 40-and-older age group. This is the segment of the population that buys the most water vehicles because of their larger amounts of disposable income. This will expand the market for motorboats, resulting in an increase in the demand for marine mechanics. Job opportunities will be best for those who have completed formal training programs.

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How To Be An Auto Mechanic

The job of the auto mechanic has changed dramatically during the last twenty years, from the relatively straight forward mechanical engineering of the majority of the twentieth century to today’s high technology integrated electronic systems and computerized system management.

This increasing sophistication means that the industry requires well qualified and trained mechanics with good diagnostic and problem-solving skills. Auto mechanics have to be able to use computerized diagnostic and maintenance equipment, and understand the principles of much of the control systems now used in modern cars. They also need the more traditional skills of mechanical engineering. In fact this job is changing so much that workers are often called “automotive service technicians”, indicating the different skills needed.

Increasingly automotive mechanics take a full-time training course before entering the industry, giving them the basic knowledge of systems that they need for this job. They are then able to understand the new systems, what they do and how they work. Courses often include computing, basic mathematics, English and communication skills, and are offered over two years leading to an associate degree.

According to the US Department of Labor, annual earnings are in the region of $28,500, with the best paid mechanics earning as much as $50,000. Job prospects are good over the next ten years, with no lessening of the use of the motor car for transport, and older mechanics retiring at a fast rate. Training is the key to good prospects in this changing profession, so gaining a qualification at the beginning of a career will make sure that entrants are well-positioned for a successful career.

Directory of Auto Mechanic Schools

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Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair construction and surface mining equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, crawlers, draglines, graders, and excavators. They are usually employed by equipment wholesale distribution and leasing firms, large construction and mining companies, local and Federal governments, and other organizations that own heavy machinery and equipment fleets. Those employed by the Federal Government may work on tanks and other armored equipment. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics perform routine maintenance on engines, as well as fuel, brake, and transmission systems to maximize performance and ensure safety. They often work with hydraulic systems, repairing fluid leaks and occasionally replacing components. They also diagnose electrical problems, disassemble and repair undercarriages and track assemblies, and sometimes weld frames and structural parts.

Job Skills

Employers usually look for candidates who are at least 18 years of age, in good physical condition, and who have an aptitude for mechanical work and problem-solving. Technicians need to be flexible, because they are constantly required to adapt to new technologies and to the needs of customers. They must also have the ability to read and interpret various types of complex service manuals.

Income

In 2002, mobile heavy equipment mechanics earned a median hourly wage of $17.29. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $11.54, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $24.90. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of mobile heavy equipment mechanics:

• Federal government - $19.44
• Local government - 18.03
• Other specialty trade contractors - 17.72
• Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers - 17.10
• Commercial/industrial machinery rental and leasing - 15.81

Training and Education

Although many people become mobile heavy equipment mechanics by completing on-the-job training, it is highly recommended that candidates obtain some kind of formal education because that is what employers prefer. Community colleges, trade schools, and vocational schools all offer formal training programs from 6-month certifications to 2-year associate degrees. Some tailor their programs to heavy equipment mechanics. These types of programs provide graduates with knowledge of the latest technologies and the ability to interpret complex technical manuals. Often, experienced employees will be sent by their employers to special training classes organized by manufacturers and vendors. In these classes, workers are given the chance to update their skills and familiarize themselves with the latest technology and repair techniques. You can check out a list of Diesel Mechanic Schools by clicking on this link.

Employment

In 2002, mobile heavy equipment mechanics held about 126,000 jobs. A third were employed by machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers. 12% were employed by Federal, State, and local governments, and another 12% were employed by construction companies. Small numbers worked in agriculture, mining, rail transportation, and lawn and garden stores. Less than 5% were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of mobile heavy equipment mechanics is expected to increase more slowly than the average. However, employers have reported difficulty locating and hiring employees with a formal education. This is because many young people with the relevant training opt for jobs that offer more openings and areas in which to work, such as automotive service technicians, diesel service technicians, or industrial machinery repairers. As a result, for those seeking jobs as mobile heavy equipment mechanics, and who have formal education in this field, opportunity will be very good.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/mechanic_careers/heavy_equipment_mechanic