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How Long Does It Take To Become A Mechanic?

  • March 8, 2023

Just like every other job, you can equip yourself for this career path by achieving relevant knowledge and practice. Therefore, if you have a talent for working on cars, you might be considering starting a career as an auto mechanic.

Shortly, you’ll be on your way to starting a career you’re enthusiastic about. Hence, this article is a complete guide to how long it takes to become a mechanic.

In most skilled trades, the trader starts as a trainee or learner and improves over time to mature into a journeyperson and then a master.

Amongst auto mechanics, master mechanic status comes by certification in the individual experiences needed for auto repair. Schooling alone can’t make a master mechanic, but it’s a fundamental part of the process.

Mechanics diagnose and fix problems with automobiles. If a customer’s car or truck is not working well, they take it to a mechanic to ascertain what is wrong.

Customers explain signs of the problem to the mechanic, who then examines the vehicle to discover the cause of the symptoms.

The mechanic will then plan a course of action to repair the problem and describe this plan to the customer before starting work.

Mechanics must be accustomed to the workings of different kinds of vehicles, though some concentrate on vehicles made by a specific manufacturer. They must also know how to use computer diagnostic tools, lathes, torches, jacks, and various hand tools.

Table of contents

Who is a Mechanic?

A mechanic is an artisan, experienced tradesperson, or technician who uses tools to build, maintain, or repair machinery.

In addition, Mechanics are required to examine, troubleshoot, restore, and maintain different types of automobiles, including personal vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment machinery.

Mechanics must be educated about the tools, equipment, and procedures used in auto shops to troubleshoot and fix vehicles.

A mechanic is basically approved by a trade association or regional government power. Mechanics may be divided into two classes based on the type of machines they work on, heavyweight and lightweight.

Heavyweight work is on larger machines or equipment, such as tractors and trailers, while lightweight work is on smaller items, such as automotive engines.

What do Mechanics do?

Mechanics are professionals trained to perform repairs and routine maintenance on motorized vehicles. Part of their job includes knowing how internal combustion and diesel motors work, their parts, and how to disassemble and reassemble them to repair any problems.

Also, being a Mechanic involves a lot of hands-on work; they take a direct path towards problem-solving and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Moreso, with the improvement of transportation and automotive technology, Mechanics has had to keep up by studying the newest trends and technologies required in vehicle design.

Hence, some Mechanics specialize in specific types of vehicles, including cars, buses, or trucks. Others, however, may choose to specialize in specific brands and manufacturers of vehicles, as they might have more complex engines and systems.

Furthermore, Mechanics are usually employed by garages and auto workshops. They may also work in car dealers, vehicle rental agencies, and transportation companies providing regular maintenance checks and repairs, or be self-employed, working in their garages.

Finally, as a result of the improvements in automotive technology, mechanics must now be common with the computers and software programs that are used in auto shops and vehicles. The improvements in technology help operate the electrical and mechanical parts of the latest vehicles.

Can I study Mechanics online?

Online auto mechanics programs are not meant for people wanting to become certified as professionals. These programs address technical concepts in a text-based format. They are aimed at amateurs who wish to work on vehicles as a hobby and at professional mechanics who want to polish their skills to get recertified.

Students interested in automotive certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should look for local programs that include a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.

Basically, a certificate in automotive technology can normally be gained in six months of study, but students often have up to two years to finish the program.

Many programs are delivered online or combine textbooks with online assessments and exams. Automotive technology courses include vehicle systems, inspection techniques, and engine repair.

Tutorial help via e-mail or live chat is usually available to students. Many programs include tools shipped to students, as are textbooks, study guides, and lesson plans.

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How much does an Automotive Mechanic make?

The average Automotive Mechanic’s salary is about $39,436 as of December 26, 2021, but the range falls between $34,635 and $45,467.

Salary ranges can differ widely depending on several important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

You can also consider an online mechanical degree. See how to get one here.

How much does it cost to study Mechanic?

  • Online automotive technician training programs: These programs can cost about $750 to $1,000. For instance, you can find an online automotive technician correspondence course for about $750. Courses of this kind can be finished in about six months to two years and sometimes cover other expenses, such as textbooks, study guides, online exams, and access to your instructors.
  • Certificate programs: Expect to pay $5,000 to $20,000 for programs that last six months to two years. Depending on your geographic location, it’s possible to find 18-week certificate programs for about $5,000-$5,500 for tuition and related fees.
  • Associate degree: An associate degree program in auto mechanics usually costs about $10,000-$25,000 and takes two years to finish. Tuition costs at automotive schools can differ greatly based on the demand and reputation of the associate degree program. Like other college programs, sometimes you pay more for the name or esteem of a given learning institution.
  • Voluntary certifications: Well, you can also expect additional charges for voluntary certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. These courses generally cost $30-$60 per test, plus a $36 registration fee. Examples of certifications include those for automobiles/light trucks, collision and refinishing, service consulting, and parts.
  • Licensing requirements: Finally, automotive technicians must also take into account licensing requirements that vary by state. For instance, Michigan requires all auto mechanics to take a test for each licensing area requested for a $6 fee for each test and a $25 total application fee.

What are the job prospects?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of auto mechanics will grow 9 percent between 2012 and 2023, about as fast as the average growth for all occupations.

The BLS predicts that job prospects will be best for mechanics with formal automotive training, particularly those trained in modern alternative fuel and computer systems technology.

What Qualities Are Required to Become a Mechanic?

A mistake in this section could result in a serious accident. The mechanic must be skillful and accurate in his gestures. Mechanics must also be thoughtful and perspicacious to detect the origins of a breakdown quickly.

In addition, the mechanic must know how to adapt to the diversity of vehicles and technological developments.

This quality is all the more important as not all garages have the same types of tools. Also, the mechanic must have a good physical constitution to withstand uncomfortable positions.

Usually, a series of devices for carrying out the technical tests are available. The automobile mechanic carries out maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. When the problem is serious, a quote must be prepared and submitted to the customer.

Once the fault has been detected, the automotive technician is responsible for replacing or repairing the damaged appliances.

He is called upon to diagnose a motor vehicle after his owner has detected a problem and to determine the cause of the fault.

Moreover, this job is not limited to mechanical work: a significant part of the mechanic’s time is devoted to the accompaniment of the customer throughout the repair process.

In fact, repairing defective equipment often requires the mechanic to search for the required parts more or less at length before having them delivered to his workshop.

Finally, the mechanic carries out the road tests which constitute the last step in diagnosing the vehicle, thus making it possible to make the last technical adjustments and adjustments.

Interestingly, the automobile mechanic can also be approached when selling vehicles (new or used). He then has the role of inspecting the correct installation and operation of the devices, prior to the sale of the car.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Mechanic?

The time it takes to become a mechanic depends on the training one pursues. Mechanics who finish vocational programs in high school can begin working in trainee positions right after graduation.

In contrast, those who conclude a post-secondary automotive technology program will take a year or more to finish their education.

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Basically, it can take a mechanic two to five years of on-the-job training to become proficient in the field.

What are the steps to becoming a mechanic?

#Step 1: Complete a High School Education or GED

Firstly, you’ll have to earn a high school diploma or GED. These credentials are needed to enroll in a certificate or degree program.

The Automotive Youth Education Services (AYES) program is accessible to high school students in some areas nationwide. In addition to basic high school education, the program gives academic and hands-on training in automotive technology.

Automotive technology training programs are accessible at a few distinct levels of study. Some mechanics finish a vocational training program during high school, and others attend a technical school. or community college after high school graduation.

Mechanical Engineering students may benefit from these scholarship opportunities: See Scholarship opportunities for Mechanical Engineering students.

#Step 2: Enroll in a Vocational Education Program

Automobile manufacturers, vocational schools, and community colleges have training programs that award. Associate’s degrees or certificates of completion in automotive service technology.

Those studying to be mechanics should take courses in electronics, hands-on automotive repair, computers, math, and English.

High school vocational programs last three or four years. Students in these programs learn how to inspect, repair, and maintain the engine and other automotive systems like the exhaust, heating, and cooling, electrical, braking, transmission, suspension, and fuel systems.

Vocational programs give hands-on training; students may even work with real customers and service their vehicles. At the end of a vocational program, students graduate with a high school diploma plus the training and expertise needed to start their careers.

Technical schools and community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology.

Also, certificate programs take less time to complete and focus solely on automotive technology, while associate degree programs also include general education coursework.

Basically, students in both types of programs take courses that explore the various automotive systems and how to diagnose and repair problems with those systems.

These programs are partly lecture-based, but students also work with real cars and diagnostic and repair tools to put their learning into practice.

After they graduate high school or earn a certificate or associate degree, prospective auto mechanics continue their training by working as assistants, helpers, or trainees under the supervision of experienced mechanics.

#Step 3: Obtain a Certificate

Some states demand auto mechanics to acquire a license to practice their trade. Acquiring a license may entail passing one or more certification exams.

Mechanics may have to pass an examination for each type of automobile repair they want to practice. In Michigan, for instance, a mechanic can become certified as a master mechanic by excelling in 8 out of the 11 certification exams offered by the state.

Mechanics can also seek voluntary certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Actually, ASE approves mechanics in diverse specialty areas, like auto maintenance and light servicing, collision repair, alternate fuels, advanced engine performance, damage analysis, and estimating.

Basically, to become certified, one must pass a certification exam and provide proof of two years of working practice.

Mechanics who have finished formal training in automotive technology can replace their training for half of their experience essentials.

ASE also gives special certifications for vocational and post-secondary automotive technology program students. Obtaining a student certification does not need any working practice, but students must still pass the relevant certification exams.

In addition, mechanics who desire to work on vehicles created by a specific manufacturer can seek a manufacturer certification by finishing a manufacturer-specific training course or program.

Furthermore, gaining a manufacturer certification can make a mechanic a more attractive candidate for positions at a dealership that markets and services vehicles made by that manufacturer.

#Step 4: Receive Employer Training

Employer training for mechanics lasts for a couple of months. During your training, you’ll work with specialists like lubricant workers, trainee technicians, or automotive helpers. You must learn to work independently and as part of a team during the practice.

#Step 5: Become a Master Mechanic

You can become a master mechanic by being certified in the ASE’s eight automotive specialty areas. Next: View Schools

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Diesel Mechanics Degree?

The measure of time it takes to become a diesel mechanic depends on whether or not you decide to seek a degree or degree certificate. If you decide to get an associate degree in diesel mechanics, it will take two years minimum, particularly if you attend school full time. Of course, it may take longer, depending on whether you can only attend school part-time or if you take breaks in between.

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However, you can also seek a bachelor’s degree after gaining your associate, which will take another two years. A bachelor’s degree is not essential to become a diesel mechanic, but some schools give a bachelor’s degree in diesel mechanics or something related, such as engineering or diesel technology.

Well, if you decide to seek a degree certificate instead, you can normally gain it in a year or less. Again, this depends on the program itself and if you can commit to finishing the entire degree certificate program in one stint.

Looking at getting a mechanical degree? See top mechanical colleges in the world.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?

After you have fulfilled the basic GCSE essentials the qualification time for a motorcycle mechanic is typically 2-3 years to finish a course of study combined with on the job training.

Also, an apprenticeship path will take between 1 to 5 years depending on the level of training required. You may train at an intermediate through to a degree level.

The ‘direct route’ of being hired by a motorcycle mechanic or repair shop can be almost immediate as soon as you have successfully completed an interview and been approved to work.

How long does it take to become a Licensed Aircraft Mechanic?

Actually, there are three paths to fulfilling FAA qualifications as an airframe mechanic. One is to graduate from an accredited aviation maintenance technician program. These programs may take two to four years to finish, and a high school diploma or its equivalent is needed for admission.

A second option is to be trained under the supervision of a certified airframe mechanic for a minimum of 18 months. The last is to serve in the military and gain FAA-approved airframe maintenance training as a military occupational specialty.

In addition, many airframe mechanics are also trained in aircraft powerplants, which means learning to repair and maintain engines and turbines. Many employers prefer applicants who have Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification from the FAA.

Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have an enjoyable job and a fulfilling career. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance, and solid prospects to improve, get promoted, and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy.

HVAC Mechanics

The highest-paid mechanics are HVAC Mechanics that aerospace manufacturers employ. Their average take-home was $66,260 per year and those employed by wired telecommunications carriers, who brought home an average of $67,190 per year.

Working and fixing diesel tanks may expose you to the risks posed by diesel that can enter the bloodstream through the skin. Also, dangerous fumes are inhaled. This could lead to skin conditions, and long-term exposure can lead to cancer, kidney damage, and blood clotting disorders.

While a high school diploma is the minimum education requirement for mechanics, many employers prefer to hire those who have completed a certificate or associate’s program in automotive technology or related fields. Mechanics can earn voluntary certification to enhance job opportunities.

Conclusion

You can equip yourself for this career path like every other job by achieving relevant knowledge and practice. Well, if you have a talent for working on cars, you might be thinking about starting a career as an auto mechanic.

Basically, reading this post will align you on the right track and position you on your journey to becoming a mechanic in no time. Hence, this article is a complete guide of how long it takes to become a mechanic.

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