With the automotive industry on sure footing again, and the wealth of new and innovative technologies that are being developed by automakers and tech companies like Google and Apple, it’s an exciting time to be working as a mechanic in the automotive world.
So what’s the best way to get your foot in the door of so many exciting and lucrative automotive careers? The easiest and most rewarding way is to study at a great automotive school and take auto mechanic courses to improve your knowledge and acquire skills.
Certification
Every auto mechanic must first complete a process of apprenticeship and certification to become a licensed mechanic. The first step to getting a job as an auto mechanic is to enroll in an auto mechanic pre-apprenticeship program.
Upon completion of the program, you will begin a process to get certified as an auto mechanic, which requires embarking on an auto mechanic apprenticeship. Depending on your level of skill during the program, you may be able to get credit towards your first level of apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship
Image SourceTo get certified as an auto mechanic, you must complete 4 levels of apprenticeship. Each level is approximately 180 hours of training. As well as training, you will need to log 6480 hours in the workplace, applying the skills you learned in your training. You will work alongside a licensed and certified mechanic, helping them perform duties, working in a real workplace setting and learning more practical skills as you advance.
Additionally, with every level you complete you will have to demonstrate the knowledge you learned by completing practical assessments and written exams that determine if you advance to the next level.
Upon completion of your training and workplace hours, and passing your final exam, you will be a certified auto mechanic.
Finding a Job
The age old trade of being an auto mechanic has come a long way since its humble inception – to see how far, take a look at this video circa 1940:
While many mechanics choose to pursue careers immediately after getting certified, it’s not the only option. Savvy mechanics who want to take the extra step can work hard to write and pass an Inter-Provincial Standards Exam can become Red Seal certified, meaning they can work in any province of Canada and possess a higher standard of knowledge.
Alternatively, many people use a mechanic diploma as a jumping-off point for concentrating on a much more specific and advanced kind of mechanical work – such as heavy machinery, aircraft or nautical vessels. In addition, some people will use their mechanic certification as a stepping stone to acquiring a degree in mechanical engineering and begin working with large-scale firms, designing the technologies of the future.
Whatever sector of the automotive industry you want to pursue, getting your diploma and becoming a licensed and certified mechanic is an excellent way to develop useful, practical skills and ensure a bright and rewarding career.
