Since the first automobiles appeared towards the end of the 19th Century, their owners have sought out repair professionals to help maintain and make them run. During that time, auto mechanics have had to continually learn, adapt and evolve as the cars themselves became more complex. This has meant that today’s auto mechanics must be well-versed in a wide range of skills and technologies to keep up with the demands of the job.
As a car mechanic, your duties include performing diagnostics on vehicles and making repairs. You work with a variety of tools and equipment to remove and replace components, including electrical systems that can be more complicated than the wiring in most homes; computerized electronics (a car’s “plumbing” makes a modern television set look simple); and fuel and refrigeration systems that are a Byzantine maze of tubes. You also use a wide range of record-keeping and information technology tools to track repairs, maintenance tasks and parts usage.
Auto mechanics must be well organized and able to work quickly. They often spend long hours on their feet and may be exposed to hot, noisy or dirty conditions. As a result, it’s important that they wear personal protective gear to avoid injury.
Aside from diagnosing problems and making repairs, you must be able to communicate effectively with customers and other shop staff members. This is because you will likely be asked to explain technical issues in a way that non-technical people can understand. You should also be able to follow written and verbal instructions, and keep accurate records of the work you perform.
Most employers require their auto mechanics to be certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, which tests and certifies technicians to work on different types of vehicles. Some states also require mechanics to be licensed.
Many high schools offer auto mechanic calgary programs that prepare students to work as a professional technician. These programs usually last about two years and provide a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on labs and job shadowing opportunities. Some of these programs are sponsored by the auto manufacturers themselves, while others are offered by community colleges and trade schools.
As an apprentice, you will probably earn about $30,000 per year while learning the trade from a senior mechanic. Once you become a fully-licensed mechanic, your salary can rise to $50,000 or more per year. The highest-paid mechanics are employed by car dealerships, followed by repair shops and tire and oil chains. The lowest-paid mechanics work for independent garages.