Working World

In L.A., you might expect the attractive brunette to be behind the wheel of the Ferrari, not under the hood. Yet Ashley Waller, an auto technician, defies all stereotypes. She graduated from the WyoTech automotive technician diploma program last August, worked for a tire shop for six months, and then landed a gig working on high-end Italian sports cars ranging in price from $140,000 to over $1 million. “I LOVE what I do,” Waller says. “I am like a kid in a candy shop.”

While enrolled in a business management program in college, Waller began to have second thoughts about that career path. “Business management wasn’t very fulfilling, and it was a little too broad of a degree,” she says. “I kept thinking that I could become a very successful CEO or I could wind up being a manager at a fast food restaurant; I did not like those options. That is when I decided to go to school for something that actually makes me happy.”

Waller faces challenges in this traditionally male profession, but not the kind you might think: “I think my size can limit me on certain jobs, but my intellect makes up for that on everything else,” she says. “I have found that car designers do not keep the technician in mind when positioning components. So, small hands and a big brain are the most help.

“I would not recommend this career for just anyone. It is hard work and it definitely requires patience. If a person exhibits common sense, the ability to learn and a high skill level, then yes. If not, then I recommend basket weaving!”
   
In the Classroom

WyoTech’s automotive technology training is a rigorous, 1,000-hour program that includes hands-on lab work and theory. It takes one year to complete with the option of a six-month add-on advanced diagnostics program.

In addition, WyoTech offers an associate degree in applied service management for those who want to continue studying the automotive trade. Students in the WyoTech program are taught the nuts and bolts of automotive servicing. Courses include basic engine management systems & automatic transmission diagnosis and repair, brakes & alignment, drivability, diagnostics, drivetrain systems, chassis and A/C handling and repair. There is also an advanced powertrain course that can be taken later on in the program.

WyoTech Director of Career Services Helene DeAlleaume told us, “The school is very involved with our students. We work with them from day one developing resumes, interview skills and job search techniques. We help students with ‘survival jobs’ while they are in school and then with finding their first ‘new career’ position once they graduate.”

Liberty Training Institute Executive Director Julio Betbeder explains, “We consider the automotive field a never-ending learning commitment because of the development of technology. We specialize in short-term programs to prepare our graduates in a specialized skill to put them to work right away. Full-time students at LTI graduate in five months with the necessary knowledge to enter the work force.

Liberty Training Institute offers 20-week certificate programs in electrical wiring systems and computerized diagnostic.

On the Job

Automotive service technicians must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an up-to-the-minute, broad knowledge of how a vehicle’s complex components work and interact. They must also be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals and reference materials.

According to DeAlleaume, a normal day for an auto tech begins around 7am, with a consistent workload until 6pm. Some shops even require weekend hours.

“It’s a busy day checking cars for problems, handling the repairs, and then fixing what’s wrong,” she says. “The beginning tech at a dealership is often part of a team for handling and diagnosing a full range of issues. Many students know the basics of oil changes and tire rotations when they come in, but once out in the ‘real world’ things move fast when customers are waiting. It’s a challenge, but one that they really enjoy. That’s what the world of being and auto technician is all about — someone starting a new career in something they love to do.”

While not every auto tech will land a job working with NASCAR or Ferraris, jobs are available at car dealerships, small automotive repair shops and chain automotive service centers. An entrepreneurial auto tech may even open a consulting business or automotive shop. If you’ve got organizational skills; a knack for troubleshooting, diagnosing and solving problems; strong electrical skills, mathematics and mechanical ability; a solid work ethic; and a drive to succeed, becoming an auto tech might be right up your alley.

“I believe honesty ranks high in the list of qualities [that an auto tech must possess],” Betbeder says. “Customer service is imperative as customers usually rely on the technician to make decisions. Therefore, the ability to explain the diagnosis to the customer plays an important role in the technician-customer relationship of trust.”   

Starting salaries vary widely between locations and depend on the experience level of the individual. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a good tech can expect $16-$27 hourly. Job placement assistance and career coaching is integral to both WyoTech and LTI, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. LTI offers a work study program as well. Revved up? Go find out more from these resources.   ­

Resources

California Autobody Association
CA Service Station & Automotive Repair Association
Liberty Training Institute
WyoTech

Katy Allgeyer is an artist and freelance writer. She is a columnist for Working World and Working Nurse magazines and her features have appeared there and in Feng Shui Times, The Art of WellBeing, You & Me Magazine and others.