Is Automotive Technician School Right For You?
Have you ever considered becoming an automotive technician? If so, you might have looked into the various paths one can take to get there. Today we are going to discuss one of the most popular ways to become an automotive mechanic: automotive technician school. Keep reading to find out more!
What will I learn in an automotive training program?
The exact curriculum is, of course, going to vary depending on the school that you choose to attend. However, there are certain skills that should absolutely be covered no matter where you decide to go. Here are some of the fundamental skills:
- Diagnose malfunctions in mechanical and electrical automotive systems
- Perform necessary repairs and replacements
- Test parts and systems to ensure proper functioning
- Test and lubricate engines and other key components
- Perform basic maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups
- Replace or repair worn out parts
- Explain automotive issues to customers as well as the repairs performed
What types of jobs will I qualify for after I graduate?
There are a number of entry-level jobs that you can qualify for once you complete your automotive technician training. Which positions you apply for will depend on what areas of automotive repair you enjoy the most. Some examples of jobs you might qualify for as a graduate from ATI’s automotive technician program include:
- Automotive technician
- Automotive air conditioner repairman
- Brake repairman
- Front-end mechanic
- Transmission technician
- Tune up technician
- And more
Of course, as you put in more time and gain additional experience in the field, you can qualify for even more positions!
How do I pick an automotive technician school?
This is a very important question because the quality of schools can really vary. There are two important things to consider when selecting the right school for you.
The first thing to find out is if the school is accredited. A school is accredited if it has proven that it meets the standards of an accrediting third party. Accrediting bodies take into account the quality of the curriculum, teachers, training materials and more. They also look at graduation rates and job placement rates. Schools that are not accredited are not required to uphold any such standards. Do you really want to spend the time and money going to a school that isn’t held to any kind of quality standards? We didn’t think so!
The second thing to consider is if the automotive program is accredited. This is slightly different than the accreditation discussed above because is specific to the program rather than the school. When it comes to automotive technology programs, one of the biggest names in accreditation is NATEF. NATEF stands for National Automotive Technician Education Foundation and it has been dedicated to improving the quality of automotive training programs in the US since 1983. If a program is NATEF certified, you can rest assured that you will receive a high-quality education.
What about ATI–is it accredited?
Yes! Both ATI and ATI’s automotive technician program are accredited. ATI has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) since 2009. And ATI’s automotive program has been accredited by NATEF since 2016.
We are proud of our accreditations and the quality education that we provide our students. If you are interested in learning more about ATI or if you want to come visit our state-of-the-industry campus, give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook.