Are you thinking about a career in the automotive industry? A college degree or certificate program is a great way to get hands-on training that will prepare you for different types of automotive jobs. Attending a technical college also provides you with a wide range of academic and career support services that help you reach your educational goals. In this post, NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, NY, shares some insight into automotive industry careers.

Exploring Potential Automotive Jobs

When you first think of a job in the automotive industry, you may imagine yourself working as a mechanic for a small business. But besides working in an auto body shop, career paths in the automotive industry include:

• Automotive parts store: Auto parts stores, especially national chains, often employ service technicians to advise customers and perform services such as testing car batteries, replacing cabin air filters, and fitting new windshield wiper blades.
• Municipal governments: Diesel mechanics can find work in local government agencies, such as maintaining a fleet of city buses.
• Transportation authorities: Some auto and diesel mechanics work for state transportation authorities, helping to ensure that major projects such as highway maintenance are carried out efficiently.
• Trucking industry: Many diesel mechanics work for major trucking and transportation companies, providing repair and maintenance for diesel truck engines.
• Vehicle dealerships: Often, car dealerships have a team of dedicated service technicians who can provide routine services, such as an oil change, as well as more advanced diagnostics and repairs.

Occupational Outlook for Automotive Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students who pursue careers in the automotive industry can look forward to a positive job outlook. Over 28,000 job openings for diesel mechanics and service technicians are anticipated each year from 2020 to 2030. Among automotive technicians, job opportunities are more than double that: the BLS predicts 69,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year on average until 2030.

You also can look forward to consistent pay with opportunity for growth: in May 2021, the median annual pay was $46,880 for automotive mechanics and $48,690 for diesel service technicians and mechanics. Among the highest 10% of earners, annual wages can reach up to $75,000.

Connect With Your College Instructors

When you attend a technical college, your classes are typically taught by instructors who have worked in the industry themselves. That means you will have access to experts who can assist you with building your technical skillset, as well as help you prepare to navigate the automotive industry. Some instructors offer one-on-one tutoring to students who need a little extra guidance in mastering course content. Your instructors may even be able to help you build a professional network and connect you with companies that are looking to hire recent graduates.

Utilize the Career Services Department

Another major benefit of completing a degree or certificate program at a technical college is that you’ll be able to utilize the school’s career services department. Career services advisors can:

• Help you create and update your resume
• Assist you with preparing for interviews
• Provide letters of recommendation
• Refer you to industry certification programs

Some schools also offer events such as career development seminars and job fairs. These opportunities help you improve your networking skills and find job opportunities you want to pursue after graduation.

Prepare for Automotive Jobs at NYADI

If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in the automotive industry, the team at NYADI is here to support you. We offer career-focused academic programs at our campus in Jamaica, NY, including:

• Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive Technology
• Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive and Diesel Technology
• Automotive Service Technology Certificate Program
• Truck and Diesel Service Technology Certificate Program
• Collision Repair Technology Certificate Program

Students at NYADI benefit from small class sizes, robust career services, and experienced instructors. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. NYADI is proud to offer an Ability to Benefit (ATB) program to help students who haven’t completed high school earn a GED or TASC diploma. To learn more about preparing for automotive jobs through our training programs, contact an admissions representative today.