Katie Loughney, service manager, and Sarah Bertrand, service technician, at Firestone.
	Katie Loughney says there are a lot of opportunities for women in automotive parts and service. She knows this first-hand since she started out with no experience 11 years ago and now works as a service manager for Firestone. "A lot more women plan for the maintenance of their vehicles these days. When they come into the shop, they like dealing with women," she says. "I've gotten a huge response from customers. They seem to trust me more because I don't fit the old stereotype of a greasy guy in a mechanic shop." Katie hires and mentors female workers as well. Sarah Bertrand works for Katie at Firestone. "I love working here; it's so much fun. I don't mind getting my hands dirty," she says. Sarah started her career at another tire dealership five years ago and really likes the variety in her job. She performs tasks such as brake maintenance, wheel alignments and oil changes. "There is a lot to learn working here. It's not tedious. I'd definitely recommend this business to other women." "I have a lot of respect for Katie," she adds. "When we're busy, she always comes out to help."

You Can Help Keep America Moving
Automotive Technicians in High Demand

By Carri Bugbee

There are more than 22 million cars, trucks and buses on U.S. roads at any given time. Every single one of those vehicles will be in the shop at some point, so it takes millions of workers to keep our nation moving.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor lists automotive service technicians and mechanics as one of the top five vocational jobs slated for growth. It goes on to say "opportunities should be plentiful in vehicle maintenance and repair occupations, especially for persons who complete formal automotive service technician training."

What do people in these types of jobs do? The range is huge. Automotive technicians do everything from change tires to repair brakes; fix dents to complete computer diagnostic tests. Since most modern vehicles have about 35 modules of software running everything from the engine to the stereo, the job of analyzing and fixing vehicle problems has become very hi-tech. Because of this, advanced vocational training or a two-year degree has become more important than ever for workers in this industry.

Fast Track to the Future

Some technical high schools offer training in automotive service and technologies, so this can be a great way to get a head start on a career. Many community colleges or junior colleges offer associate degree programs in this field. Students might spend 10 to 12 weeks attending classes full time and then another 10 to 12 weeks working full time in the service departments of local companies to gain real-world experience. Credits earned through an associate degree program are usually transferable to a four-year bachelor's degree program in a similar field.

Some or all of your training in a program like this may be paid for by auto manufacturers, dealerships or repair shops if you are working too. Even if your tuition is not covered, you will likely get paid for the time you are working. Plus, you don't have to spend all your time in class!

Automotive Apprentice

Another way to get trained for automotive service jobs is through a formal apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will typically work full time and go to school at a community college or specialized training center a few hours a week — usually at night. Tuition is almost always free and you will earn full-time wages. Starting out, you'd get paid about half of what a trained and certified worker earns, but you'll receive raises throughout the program.

Apprenticeship programs last from two to four years depending upon how complex the job is. This can be a great opportunity for women and minorities because all workers receive the same amount of pay for the same amount of training and experience. Apprentices enrolled in programs sponsored by labor unions also get great health benefits and can start earning paid vacations and retirement benefits right away.

Trained automotive service technicians and mechanics earn about $15 to $19 an hour. Auto body repair technicians earn approximately $17 to $18 an hour, and managers in these careers earn about $25 to $27 an hour.

Whether you plan to get trained through a trade school, community college, apprenticeship program, or on the job, you will need a high school diploma. You might also have to pass a few basic tests (usually in math) to get into these training programs.

The great news is, there are lots of opportunities for free training and education and you may be able to earn while you learn. All these programs are eager to enroll young women. Just remember that every training program is slightly different, so it pays to check out your options and ask a lot of questions!

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