3 Automotive Programs That May Be Right for You

Do you have an interest in the automotive industry? Have you ever thought about making your career in the world of cars? If so, here are three programs offered by automotive schools that may help you break into this exciting field. They are all very different from one another, but graduates of each of them have one thing in common: a desire to have a fruitful and satisfying career.

Advanced Automotive Service Advisor

If you enjoy working with people, then this automotive school program may be the one for you. It's designed to train students to become parts consultants or service advisors. Both of these jobs require the ability to interact with consumers on a daily basis. You have to love people, and you have to have the ability to put a smile every day. You also have to have a "technical" mind, in the sense that you have to become familiar with a wide variety of automotive parts.

In addition to learning the basics of customer service, students of this program also learn the following:

· Time management skills

· Basics of automotive systems

· Conflict resolution

· Effective communication

· Invoicing procedures

· Inventory control

· Understanding warranties

· Understanding how dealerships work

Transportation Operations Specialist

A Transportation Operations Specialist program is for people who are interested in the logistics end of the trucking business. This automotive school program will teach you the ins and outs of being a dispatcher. You'll learn how to coordinate and schedule shipments in order to ensure that everything gets to its destination on time. You'll also learn how to use the computer systems that are critical to every dispatcher's job. Courses covered in this program include:

· Transportation basics

· Safety and compliance

· Fleet maintenance

· Driver management

Automotive Technology Training

If you've ever thought about being a mechanic, Automotive Technology Training is the program for you. It will give you the hands-on knowledge required to repair and maintain cars. It's one of the more well-known programs offered by auto schools, and for good reason: there will always be a need for mechanics. Offered by nearly every automotive school, the program covers the technical aspects of vehicle repair, but also teaches students how to use the many devices that are used by mechanics on a daily basis, such as:

· Chassis dynamometers

· Brake lathes

· Diagnostic scanners

· Engine diagnostic equipment

· Wheel alignment analyzers

Automotive History

It's almost impossible to imagine what the world would be like without automobiles. Not only do the facilitate travel, vehicles also have an immense effect on trade, our medical and emergency system and society in general.

The first steam powered vehicles were built as long ago as during the 1600's by Ferdinand Verbiest. This vehicle was not used to carry people but rather goods. It wasn't until 1885 that the first fuel powered vehicle was actually developed.

The ability of vehicles to actually transport passengers as well as goods definitely revolutionized travel and trade; the world hasn't been the same since. It was Nikolaus Otto who invented the first gasoline powered engine; this is the engine that is generally available in most cars in the world. The diesel engine was named after its inventor; Rudolf Diesel. Diesel engines have a very high efficiency rate and are available with either two or four strokes.

Many American inventors worked on developing steam powered vehicles during the late nineteenth century. Many competitions were held were inventors presented their designs. Competitions were held where inventors displayed how fast their vehicles could travel.

Panhard et Levassor and Peugot were the first two companies to start automobile production for mass consumption in France. Peugot is still one of Europe's most popular vehicle brands to this day. The Duryea Motor Wagon company was the first company in the U.S to start mass production on a large scale.

The petroleum industry was developed in response to the needs for fuel. Companies had to learn how to manufacture large quantities of gasoline due to the high demand. The automotive industry is still evolving and progressing. The 21st century has brought with it technology such as Bluetooth technology, pedestrian safety sensors and vehicle systems which can be controlled via voice command.

The automotive industry is far from stagnating; it's constantly developing and new technology and discoveries are being made every day. Hybrid cars are also becoming immensely popular due to gas prices and environmental concerns. Auto makers are pushing the envelope when it comes to efficiency; many traditional cars are now averaging over 35 mpg. Ford is currently developing cars that will be able to communicate with one another and possibly avoid car accidents. We have also seen the advent of self-driving cars where the driver can actually sit back and relax while the car is able to maneuver itself in and out of traffic. Looks like the best is still to come when it comes to the automotive world.

Launch Your Career With an Apprenticeship - Automotive Industry

You've been thinking about getting into the automobile service industry for some time now. You have the passion. You have the drive. Now all you need is to get your hands dirty.

The tricky thing about launching a career in the automotive industry is that going to school and earning a diploma or official certification isn't always enough. Most dealerships, garages or auto shops won't hire novices that have little or no experience. But how do employers expect you to gain any hands-on experience if no one is willing to hire you?

The answer, my fellow career-chasers, lies in the almighty apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are ideal for a variety of people who want to become trade specialists. Whether you're fresh out of high school and are ready to step into the workforce, or if you're a veteran and have suddenly decided to turn your career in a completely different direction, apprenticeship programs really help jumpstart your expertise in your chosen trade.

Many apprenticeships are offered alongside school training, so your time will be split between taking classes and clocking-in hours at a shop. How it works is that employers will agree to train students who are enrolled in an academic apprenticeship program. The main advantage to this sort of set-up is being able to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge simultaneously. So, it isn't uncommon for you to read about car alignment one day, and be standing under the lift the next day.

Before you enroll in an apprenticeship program, you'll need to decide what exactly you want to do. There is no shortage of career prospects within the automobile industry, including:

    Automotive Service Technicians
    Automotive Mechanical Installers and Servicers
    Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Testers

Keep in mind that some automotive apprenticeships will provide a general overview of the trade, while others will zone in on a particular specialty within the automotive industry. So, if you want to pursue a career as an Automotive Service Technician, you may want to consider participating in the Automotive Service Educational Program or one similar to it. These programs are quite broad and cover everything from major automotive assemblies and engines to electrical and fuel systems.

But if you are looking to concentrate your expertise, you will have the option to narrow your focus to a specific sector of the automotive trade. For example, there are Ontario apprenticeships that offer students the Auto Body & Collision Damage Repairer program, which provides a detailed curriculum on auto repair practices, including repairing dents in fenders and skirting, as well as stretching metal panels and welding breaks in body panels.

Regardless of whether you'd prefer a general or specialized focus within the automotive industry, completing an apprenticeship program will be a distinguishing feature of your future candidacies. You will have already gained enough work experience that you can hit the ground running, and prospective employers will recognize that you understand the ins and outs of your future career.