Auto Repair Technici Article Analysis

As part of the course requirements in AUTI 100, Basic Automotive Service, I chose an article titled “How Innovation Has Changed The Job Of An Auto Repair Technician.” This article was published in The Washington Post on May 26, 2013 and was written by Sarah Halzack. The article discusses major changes over the last few years and also eludes to how there are going to be numerous, rapidly continuing changes over the coming years in the job requirements of an auto mechanic. One of the first changes is that what was once known as an “auto mechanic” has evolved into being an “auto technician” requiring much more skill the in use of computers to diagnose. The next change discussed that I was interested in, is that the demand for highly skilled …show more content…
called Excel Institute, that trains attendees in auto repair. When traditionally thinking about auto mechanics, some may possibly think of the old nickname of “grease monkey”, or someone who would work on all aspects of fixing or maintenance of cars and trucks. I find it fascinating how the job of a mechanic has changed from being primarily “mechanical” to being extremely specialized and technical. With that comes more educational requirements, especially better competencies in computers, math and reading and a high school diploma is a minimal prerequisite. This has a direct impact on who is choosing to go into automotive technology and also the classes that they may need to take in high school in preparation for post high school training. Also there is a need for more sophisticated training programs preparing those of us that have chosen auto technology as a career that include more emphasis and greater mastery of electrical …show more content…
The Automotive Service Excellence certifications are a way to show that a technician meets the industry standard for knowledge. ASE certification shows that a technician has the knowledge of job-related skills in that particular area of repair. Because of the rapid change in technology the auto technician must be constantly learning new skills and keeping their old skills sharp, which requires recertification on a regular basis. Also, many dealerships require their technicians to obtain factory training in new technologies as they come out. With this level of sophistication in the working technology of today’s automobile, much more pressure is placed on the independent repair shops that see and deal with different brands with different forms of technology. This will have a large effect on the smaller, independent repair shops and how they tend to meet the increased technology education that is required. This will also have an effect on the technician and how they need to become certified in GM, Ford, Toyota, etc to meet the needed knowledge about that brands specific