*** Source: Trades Notebook for Skilled Trades Occupations in the Willamette Valley

Median Salary: $43,321

If you enjoy challenges, cars, and like to work with your hands, Automotive Technology can be a rewarding career for you. Automotive Service Technicians are employed by auto dealerships, repair shops, auto and home supply stores, and gas and service stations.

Skills:

  • Repair
  • Industry Knowledge
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Hand Tools
  • Customer Service

Job Titles:

  • Auto Technician/Mechanic
  • Service Technician
  • Shop Technician
  • Automotive Service Worker
  • Service Writer

Primary Tasks:

  • Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
  • Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
  • Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
  • Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
  • Estimate costs for labor or materials.
  • Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
  • Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.

Wages & Jobs

Training

Training in Automotive Technology is available locally at Linn-Benton Community College. This is a 2-year program and all classes prepare students to pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests.

High School/College Courses:

  • Mathematics (Algebra I/II, Geometry)
  • Industrial Arts
  • Welding
  • Automotive Shop (if available)

LBCC’s Program:

LBCC’s Automotive Technology Program works closely with local employers to ensure that the program curriculum is relevant to the needs of local industry.

The programs prepare students to diagnose, repair and maintain modern automobiles and light trucks including powertrain systems, steering, suspension and braking systems, electrical systems and electronic controls, automatic transmissions, engine overhaul, air-conditioning service and engine performance.

The programs are conducted in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratory/shops. The automotive technology shop contains equipment for rebuilding and testing components such as engines and transmissions; a four-wheel computerized alignment rack; tune-up and computer control diagnostic equipment; 21 vehicle hoists; a chassis dynamometer; engine analyzers and many specialized tools. Learn more at www.linnbenton.edu/auto.

Contact:

6500 Pacific Blvd. SW
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-917-4999
admissions@linnbenton.edu
www.linnbenton.edu

To apply to LBCC, visit: www.linnbenton.edu/futures-start-here/index.php

Links for more information: