Do you absolutely love cars? If you have a real passion for automobiles and think you’d like to make a living maintaining, servicing, and fixing them, a career as an automotive technician might be right for you. But how do you reach that career goal? Here are 5 steps that could get you on the road to a career in automotive technology.

If your high school offers a basic automotive mechanic course, sign up now! Other classes that serve as a good foundation for a career as an auto mechanic include shop, electronics, computers and math. Learning the proper use of tools in shop class can set you up for success when your tools are more specific to the automotive industry. Electronics and computers are what run the modern automobile so you need to be comfortable with technology. And math is all about problem solving which is the most important skill for an auto mechanic to have!

Read up about it. Choose books, magazines and even auto manuals that will help you learn all about the makes and models you might service someday. Pay attention to the latest trends in the field and the new technologies used in new cars. But don’t neglect reading all you can about old cars. After all, those older vehicles are more likely to be the ones pulling up to your shop for repair.

Maintain your own vehicle. Start by keeping the interior and exterior of your car shiny and clean. If you don’t change your own oil, you can at least make sure your car isn’t low on oil. Periodically check all the fluids and replace your own filters. Regularly check your tires and windshield wipers for wear and tear. These few do-it-yourself tips will save you time and money. They’ll also get you familiar with what’s under the hood!

Join an automotive club. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it doesn’t have to be affiliated with huge model names. Just follow your passion. If you love mustangs, find a club for mustang owners (even if you don’t own one yet). Automotive clubs give you the opportunity to learn about cars and network with people who love them as much as you do.

Find an automotive technology program that gives you solid classroom and shop instruction, coupled with lots of hands-on training. Make sure all your instructors are professionals from the field with real-world experience. You’ll want to learn how to diagnose, repair and maintain all major vehicle components by watching and DOING!

Continue your education after graduation. The best auto mechanics know that they’re never done learning. Automotive Service Excellence certifications can help you advance your career. If you’re interested in a career as an automotive technician, check out the career training at Porter and Chester Institute. We offer our automotive technology program at all nine of our campus locations. Schedule a tour today!