With nearly every adult owning at least one vehicle today, skilled, reliable Auto Mechanics often play a very prominent part in our lives.
Successful Otto Mechanics are honest, detail oriented, well-organized, patient, observant, and have good analytical, diagnostic, and reasoning skills. They are also mechanically minded. It is essential that Auto Mechanics have excellent customer service skills. Auto Service Technicians must be able to read well as they must keep up to date with all the latest advances in auto technology.
Auto Mechanics must be physically fit as their work involves bending, stooping, lifting and carrying. Tools must be kept in good working order and the work area must be kept clean and neat to avoid accidents. Most Mechanics work a regular forty hour week, although some overtime may occasionally be required.
There is an ongoing need for dependable, skilled, well-trained mechanics.
If you get a job as an Automotive Service Technician your duties may vary depending on where you work, and the level of your experience. In general, Auto Mechanics conduct routine maintenance, following an established check list, change oil, rotate tires, and lubricate engines. If the client reports a problem, the Mechanic considers their opinions, does a preliminary inspection of the vehicle involving visual observations, running the engine, and possibly a test drive. They then perform diagnostic tests, discuss a course of action with the client, make repairs, repair or replace worn parts, take the car for another test drive, and again report to the client. When the client picks up the vehicle, the Auto Mechanic may explain in detail what they have done, answer clients’ questions, and possibly give advice.
There are various places you may find employment if you become an Auto Mechanic. These include car dealerships, auto repair centers, and car rental agencies. Some Auto Mechanics have their own shops and others go on to teach auto mechanics.
Education
If you are still in high school and have already decided that you would like to get a job as an Auto Mechanic, take courses in mathematics, English, computers, physics, chemistry, book-keeping, and any auto shop or mechanical training available.
You must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
To be competitive, you must then get formal training in auto mechanics. Such training is available in trade schools, technical schools, vocational schools, and community colleges. Courses last from one to two years, and are a combination of academic learning and hands-on experience. You can get an associates’ degree in auto mechanics from a community college. An associates’ degree would be a decided advantage.
There are some apprenticeship training programs available which are a good option for those who do not wish to commit to a longer training period.
Do some investigating before you choose a training program. Some have age restrictions. Make sure to choose a program that is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Such courses will prepare you to get your Automotive Service Excellence Certification. Certification is now being demanded by many employers.
There are eight areas for certification including such specialties as brake systems, suspension and steering, electrical systems, engine repair, heating and air-conditioning, etc. To get a certification, you must have two years experience and pass a certification exam. Those who become certified in all eight areas will obtain the title of Master Automobile Technicians.
When you are looking for employment it is always wise to find a shop that, guarantees your future by offering opportunities for obtaining advanced professional development.
Machinists use their skill, and knowledge of plastics, and metals such as steel, aluminum, titanium, and silicon, to make integral parts for all types of machinery and a myriad of everyday items. They may make only a unique, one-of-a-kind item, several of a kind, or, on occasion, many. The number will largely govern the method used.
Machinists use blueprints, lathes, drill presses, grinders, milling machines, hard and software, as well as automated devices, to plan, cut, and shape perfect and precise, machine parts. Machinists often use safety devices such as goggles and ear plugs.
If you want to get a job as a Machinist, you must be mechanically minded, precise, detail oriented, and have good problem solving skills. You must be able to concentrate totally on the task at hand and be able to work independently. Good hearing would help you detect excessive vibration or rough cutting of the machinery.
Machinists today work in relatively clean surroundings. If you want to get a job as a Machinist, you must be physically fit, able to stand for long hours and on occasion lift heavy loads. Work days are usually of eight hours duration but overtime is not uncommon.
In spite of the advances of computer assisted production, there are still excellent opportunities available for skilled Machinists.
Those that get a job as a Machinist will start off a task by first studying specifications and blueprints. They will then decide what tools are needed and what each step in the plan of procedure will be. They must mark out where they will cut or bore, and ascertain the rate the metal must be fed into the machinery. To do any job properly, Machinists must understand the properties of all the materials they work with and how they will react to heat, pressure, and cutting. Machinery must be properly lubricated before each job, dull blades must be replaced, metal must be placed precisely, and controls must be set. After each part is complete, it will be checked and measured to make sure it meets specifications. Machinists today often use computer numerically controlled(CNC) machines. The Machinist adjusts or programs the CNC machines and then the job can be completed by a Machine Operator.
Machine Operators work in the field of manufacturing and production. They may operate machines of all kinds, or may specialize in one type of machinery.
Education
Those that wish to become Machinists must first get a high school diploma. While in high school, it would be wise to take courses in English, mathematics, physics, trigonometry, calculus, and computers. Also, take any courses available in metal working, drafting, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing. If possible get a part time job, paid or volunteer, in a metal-working shop. Try to ‘shadow’ an experienced Machinist, or other professional, for a day or so, to get a real feel for the work they do.
Formal training for Machinists is available in technical schools and community colleges. The associates’ degree program takes two years. Some on-the-job training will also be required. If available, select a program that provides apprenticeships or job placement. Apprenticeship programs provide the opportunity to work as you learn under the guidance of experienced Machinists.
Graduate Machinists would be wise to obtain their certification, which is a testament to the level of their skill and knowledge. Although certification is seldom required, it does increase job opportunities.
If you get a job as a Machinist, with sufficient education and experience, you can advance to positions as managers, supervisors, tool and die makers, or CNC programmers. Some Machinists will eventually open their own businesses.
Machine Operators may also get training through formal training programs of up to one year, or through apprenticeship programs.
Both Machinists and Machine Operators will need to constantly upgrade their knowledge to keep up with rapidly advancing technology.
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