Chapter 1 Careers in the Automotive Industry

The Automotive Industry • • U.S. market no longer dominated by the “big three” - GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

Toyota is currently the number two automaker in the world.

• Domestic manufacturers work with foreign manufacturers.

• Many foreign makers have U.S. manufacturing facilities.

Need For Technicians • The U.S. Dept. of Labor predicts faster than average growth in technician job rates.

• For 2007, the average technician earnings was $16.24 per hour. • Courses such as electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and math provide a good background for technicians.

Quality Service • Technicians must be able to diagnose complex electrical and electronic systems.

• Customers expect their vehicle to be fixed right the first time.

• Often, technicians have to interact with the customer to solve the concern.

Ongoing Service • Computerization and improved manufacturing has reduced the amount of services and maintenance needed.

• Preventive maintenance, problem diagnosis, and repairs are still necessary for proper vehicle operation.

Typical Maintenance Schedule

Career Opportunities • Dealerships – Serve as a link between the manufacturer and the customer.

• Independent Service Shops – May service all types of cars or specialize in a particular brand or vehicle system.

• Franchise Repair Shop – Is usually run by large companies such as tire manufacturers.

Career Opportunities (cont’d) • Store-Associated Shops – Are usually associated with large department stores.

• Fleet Service and Maintenance – May be a large business or municipality.

Job Classifications • Service Technician – Assesses, diagnoses and repairs vehicle problems.

• Shop Foreman – Helps technicians with more difficult tasks.

• Service Advisor – Greets customers and records their concerns on the repair order.

Job Classifications (cont’d) • Service Manager – Is responsible for the entire shop operation.

• Service Director - Oversees service, body, and parts departments.

Job Classifications (cont’d) • Parts Counter Person – Sells parts directly to customers and supplies parts to technicians.

• Parts Manager – Is in charge of ordering replacement parts and runs parts department.

Related Career Opportunities • Aftermarket parts distribution • Marketing and sales • Recyclers • Insurance claims adjuster • Auto body technician • Training and teaching

Ways to Gain Work Experience While You Are a Student • Job shadowing program • Mentoring program • Cooperative education • Apprenticeship program • Part-time employment • Post-graduate education

ASE Areas of Automotive Certification • Engine repair • Automatic transmission/transaxle • Manual transmissions and drive axles • Suspension and steering • Brakes • Electrical systems • Heating and air conditioning • Engine performance

Types of ASE Certification • One or more areas • All eight areas of automobile certification