Want to work on cars and trucks? An Automotive Service Technology (AST) program can be your ticket to a cool career. But with so many schools out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through the important things to think about so you can make the best choice for your future.
1. Know What You Want to Learn: What Type of Automotive Training Is Offered?
Cars are complicated machines. Different AST programs focus on different areas. Some might teach you the basics of how engines work, while others can go deeper into things like electrical systems, brakes, or transmissions. Think about what parts of cars you find most interesting. Do you want to fix everything or focus on a specific area?
Good automotive schools offer a variety of training. They might cover:
- Engine Repair: Learning how to take apart, fix, and put back together engines.
- Electrical Systems: Understanding car batteries, wiring, lights, and computer systems.
- Brake Systems: Learning how to inspect, repair, and replace brakes.
- Steering and Suspension: Working on the parts that control how a car handles.
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Fixing the systems that keep you comfortable.
- Transmissions: Learning about both automatic and manual gearboxes.
- Diagnostics: Using computers and tools to figure out what’s wrong with a car.
Make sure the school you choose offers the kind of training that matches your interests and career goals.
2. Learn From the Best: Qualifications of the Instructors
Imagine trying to learn a sport from someone who’s never played it. The same goes for automotive technology. You want instructors who really know their stuff. Look for teachers who have:
- Real-world experience: Have they actually worked as mechanics or technicians? This means they can share practical tips and stories from the shop.
- Certifications: Look for instructors who have certifications from organizations like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). These show they’ve passed tests and know their stuff.
- Teaching skills: Just because someone is a great mechanic doesn’t mean they’re a great teacher. Good instructors can explain things clearly and help you understand even tough topics.
Don’t be afraid to ask the school about the instructors’ backgrounds and experience.
3. Get Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty: Will You Get Hands-On Training?
Reading about cars in a book is one thing, but actually working on them is another! The best AST programs give you plenty of hands-on training. This means you can spend time in a training lab designed to mimic a real shop, working on actual vehicles.
Think about it: would you rather just read about changing oil, or actually get under a car and do it yourself? Hands-on training helps you build confidence and potentially learn the skills you’ll use on the job. Look for programs that have well-equipped shops with a variety of cars and tools for you to practice with.
4. A Day in Your Life: What Is a Typical Day for a Student Like?
Knowing what to expect can help you decide if a program is right for you. A typical day might involve:
- Classroom time: Learning the theory behind how cars work. This could involve lectures, discussions, and videos.
- Shop time: Putting what you learned in the classroom into practice by working on cars.
- Lab work: Using specialized equipment to diagnose problems or test parts.
- Working on projects: Sometimes, you might work on a specific car or system from start to finish.
Ask the school for a sample schedule or talk to current students to get a better idea of what their days are like.
5. Money Matters: Does the Automotive School Offer Financial Aid or Scholarships?
Paying for school can be a big concern. Find out if the automotive school offers financial aid or scholarships to help students cover the costs. Financial aid could include grants (money you don’t have to pay back) or loans (money you do have to pay back). Scholarships are often based on things like good grades or financial need.
Talk to the school’s financial aid office to understand your options and get help with the application process.
6. Getting Your Career Started: Does the Automotive School Offer Career Services?
A good AST program should also help you prepare for your career after you graduate. Does the automotive school offer career services? This could include:
- Resume and interview workshops: Helping you create a professional resume and practice your interview skills.
- Job boards and networking events: Connecting you with potential employers.
- Internships or apprenticeships: Giving you real-world work experience while you’re still in school.
- Career counseling: Providing guidance and support as you start your job search.
7. Learning in Comfort: Class Size
Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer smaller classes where you can easily ask questions, or are you comfortable in a larger group? The class size can affect how much individual attention you get from the instructors. Ask the school about their average class size for lab and classroom sessions.
8. Landing Your Dream Job: Will the Automotive School I Choose Help Me Find a Job?
Ultimately, you’re probably going to automotive school to get a job. Ask the school about their job placement rate. This is the percentage of graduates who find employment in the field after completing the program. While a high graduation rate is good, it’s also important to know if the school actively helps graduates find jobs.
9. See for Yourself: Consider Taking a Tour of the Campus and Speaking to the Staff
One of the best ways to get a feel for a school is to visit it in person. Consider taking a tour of the campus and speaking to the staff to learn about the program before making a final decision. This gives you a chance to see the classrooms and labs, meet the instructors, and ask any questions you still have. Talking to current students can also give you valuable insights into the program.
Next Steps
Choosing the right AST program is a big decision, but by considering these factors, you can find a school that will help you build a successful and exciting career working on cars! If you are interested in pursuing a career in AST, STVT’s program might be the right fit for you. Call us today at 866-480-9766 or fill out this form to learn more.
Blog Disclaimer: Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. STVT does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential, or salary expectations based on the programs offered at STVT. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at STVT. STVT cannot guarantee employment or salary.
