1. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Automotive Careers and Technician Certification Chapter 2

2. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Objectives Describe different automotive careers Understand some of the skill requirements of an automotive technician Know what kind of work is performed by technicians in the different automotive specialty areas Understand the different types of certification and licensing

3. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Introduction Demand for technicians –More than 240 million motor vehicles in the U.S. –Today's automotive technician must be able to perform a multitude of tasks –Repair and service of automobiles is challenging and rewarding

4. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Automotive Career Opportunities Today’s technicians usually start out in a technical education program in high school Today’s gas stations are mostly self-service Lubrication specialist performs maintenance and safety services Dealerships perform inspections and warranty repairs Independent repair shops may specialize in one or more vehicle makes Technicians attend professional update classes

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6. Operation of Large Shops Service manager –Responsible for the operation of the service department Service writer /service advisor –Writes the repair order for the job Service dispatcher –Organizes the repair orders and dispatches them to technicians Shop foreman –Keeps repair work on track

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8. Fleet Shop Fleet –Group of several vehicles owned by a company, utility, or municipality Fleet shop –Performs maintenance and repairs on a group of vehicles owned by one company –May subcontract major repairs to specialty shop

9. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Technician Certification and Licensing ASE Certification –Eight specialty areas –Tests given twice a year Master automotive technician is a journey-level professional certified in all eight specialties Work experience requirement –Two years of automotive work experience Many employers ask for ASE certification –Demonstrates knowledge and experience –Demonstrates the technician can read

10. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Technician Certification and Licensing (cont'd.) Advanced engine performance specialist –Must first be certified in regular auto categories of engine performance and electrical systems –Test covers several areas Engine machinist –Originally sponsored by the Automotive Engine Rebuilders’ Association –Three areas of specialization –Master engine machinists qualify in all three

11. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Technician Certification and Licensing (cont'd.) ASE Maintenance and Inspection Program –Provides an online maintenance and inspection learning program Automotive service consultant –Can become ASE certified –Test questions include communication, customer relations, vehicle systems knowledge, sales, etc. Parts specialist –Six specialty areas

12. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Technician Certification and Licensing (cont'd.) Other ASE test areas –Heavy-duty truck –Auto body –Paint –Alternate fuels Certification or license –Certification is voluntary –Licensing is required

13. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Technician Skill Levels and Pay Master technicians paid flat rate or commission –If flat-rate work fails, the job is redone at no charge Job shadowing exposes the student to “real life” experience –Student works behind an experienced professional Apprentices work under journey-level or master technicians for several years –Several systems Mentors answer students’ questions –Offer “real life” experience to the students

14. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Other Areas of Specialization Some shops specialize in tire and wheels –Often employ an ASE technician certified in brakes and suspension systems

15. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Other Areas of Specialization (cont'd.) Muffler shops –Specialize in repair and replacement of exhaust systems –Some also perform quick lubes, tires, and brake and suspension work Transmission shops –Transmission repair and rebuilding Merchandising shops –Audio system sales installation –Off-road vehicle and truck accessories

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17. Other Automotive Careers Auto parts specialist needs a basic knowledge of the vehicle operation Auto body technicians fix accident damage and paint vehicles Many independent repair shops are owned and operated by families Successful shop owners are involved in automotive and small business associations

18. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning On the Job as an Automotive Technician Successful automotive technicians have attributes besides repair abilities –Communicate effectively –Clean appearance –Reliable –Get along with fellow employees and supervisors ASE also certifies schools with automotive programs Some NATEF certified schools have cooperative work experience programs

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20. Summary Today's automotive technician must have a multitude of skills Many specialties under the automotive umbrella Many skilled technicians are ASE certified Technicians are often paid under the “flat-rate” commission system There are large and small automotive businesses –Some are corporate and some are independently owned