When you hear the words “automotive training,” what springs to mind? If you are like most people, you think of mechanic training, the kind of studies that would prepare someone for a career as an automotive technician. But this is not the only career course for someone interested in cars. Here are some other career paths to consider.
1. Transportation of dangerous goods training
Some of the schools that offer training to become an automotive service technician also offer courses in the transportation of dangerous goods. This kind of program teaches about:
– different types of specialized containers
– special packaging and labeling rules
– emergency response plans
– legal requirements
– certifications, etc.
This is an automotive training option that comes with the good feeling of knowing that you are helping society by seeing to the safe transportation of dangerous goods.
2. Another kind of automotive training to consider: parts specialist
Again, many of the schools with programs to become an automotive technician also have programs geared at students who would like to find work as a parts specialist or consultant. This kind of training prepares students for a service-oriented career, with a lot of interaction with the customers. As such, this kind of training usually covers the following topics:
– good communications skills – this means listening to the customers when they speak
– a good understanding of the parts that an automotive service technician may need to successfully carry out a repair
3. Dispatcher programs
Another topic that you may see on the curriculum at schools that provide training in how to become an automotive service technician? Dispatching. Dispatchers are the people who speak into the two-way radio, directing a fleet of taxis, trucks or emergency vehicles, from one central control console. This kind of automotive training is well suited to people who have excellent communication skills, and who are very efficient and organized.
4. Service advisor
An automotive service advisor is the person who greets you at the door in a dealership or a repair garage. They find out what the customer needs help with and arranges to have the work carried out by a qualified automotive technician.
Skills required:
– good listening skills
– some basic automotive training, enough at least to understand common problems and to be able to speak knowledgeably, with the customer and the automotive technician, alike.
5. Trucking training
Some colleges that offer automotive training also offer classes for aspiring transportation operations specialists. Trucking is a vibrant, stable industry in North America, with a lot of job opportunties. Canada in particular is in need of an influx of young people taking up the profession.
There is more to automotive training than you may think. Get in touch with a college in your area today.
