Guide To An Automotive Technician Career Path

Judging by the speed at which new cars hit the Malaysian market every year, auto mechanics can rest assured there will always be a demand for their services. And if you consider the seemingly endless new technology that keeps the global auto industry on its toes, automotive technicians can also look forward to an exciting career path paved with state-of-the-art machinery, computerised equipment and tools, and opportunities to make a decent living. Here’s how to start your engine down a career path as an automotive technician.

What does an automotive technician do?

An automotive technician diagnoses, repairs and maintains vehicles. ​​Though traditional automobile service tasks will always be the foundation of a car mechanic’s role, advanced technology is now commonplace in road vehicles. Technicians must therefore keep abreast of the latest in the automotive industry.

If you plan to build a career path as an automotive technician, here are the roles you will most likely play:

• Perform basic preventive maintenance tasks on vehicles. This may involve engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation and changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.
• Ensure vehicles are in functional condition by performing corrective tasks such as repairing faulty engines, addressing mechanical and electrical systems malfunctions, replacing parts and components, and fixing any damage to the vehicle’s body
• Verify vehicle serviceability by conducting test drives, and adjusting controls and systems accordingly
• Comply with government vehicle requirements by testing engine, safety, and combustion control standards
• Maintain vehicle appearance by cleaning, washing, and painting
• Keep accurate records by chronicling service and repairs on each vehicle
• Contain costs by using warranties, and evaluating service and parts options
• Keep supplies ready by inventorying stock, placing orders, and verifying receipts
• Update skills constantly by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications

Salary Range

Most automotive technicians work as full-time employees. Salaries may differ according to factors such as location (city or province), level of education, years of experience, and the size of the employing organisation. But skills may be the biggest consideration, as newer automobile technology demands increased specialisation in areas like hybrid cars and integrated electrical systems.

• Average Base Salary: 26,400 RM/year

What does the career path look like?

Junior Level (1-3 years experience)

• Automotive Technician

Mid Level (4-8 years experience) 

• Automotive Foreman/Supervisor
• Automotive Technology Instructor

Senior level (8 years or more)

• Assistant Store Manager
• Store Manager
• Workshop Owner/Entrepreneur

What requirements do you need to become an automotive technician?

Required skills

• An excellent understanding of a Car’s mechanical components

The foundation of any automotive technician’s career is a mastery of a wide range of vehicle mechanical systems. You may want to consider specialising in specific vehicle types such as cars, motorcycles, or electric vehicles.

• A thorough knowledge of electrical and computer control systems 

A willingness to learn and apply new technology on the job is helpful in this career, as using newer, more complex tools and computer programs can make you more efficient at doing tasks.

• Physical fitness and fine motor skills

Because the job can get physically demanding, car mechanics must be physically fit. Manual dexterity is also a must when your job needs you to handle both 3,000-lb truck engines and tiny nuts and bolts.

Other skills

• Diagnostic skills

The first task of an automotive technician is to inspect and diagnose a vehicle. If you identify automobile issues efficiently, the ensuing repair and maintenance work can start sooner, and the costs to both client and hirer are kept to a minimum.

• Adaptability

The evolving nature of the automotive industry calls for technicians that can keep pace with rapid-fire developments in technology. Automotive mechanics need to be flexible and willing to take on new challenges stat.

• People skills

Automotive technicians also interact with clients almost daily. They are expected to provide constant progress updates. Therefore, having good communication skills is essential in providing good customer service.

Educational background

Though a college degree is not required for one to become an automotive technician, formal training helps ensure your skills are up to standard. A quick scan of postings on JobStreet shows that some Malaysian hirers do prefer automotive technicians to have at least an SPM, the penultimate examination taken by secondary school students before further studies.

Formal courses in Automotive Technology and Automotive Engineering typically last two years. Apprenticeships can also offer much-needed hands-on experience for aspiring car mechanics.

Required certification and training

Aside from certificates and degrees, some Malaysian hirers also prefer automotive technicians who possess driving licenses.

Opportunities for Continuous Education

Keeping skills relevant is a must for an automotive technician. Fortunately, online courses abound that may help you keep abreast of industry innovations. For example, with this free online course, you can learn about the current trend in battery manufacturing, and how it applies to making greener batteries for e-vehicles.

How to write an automotive technician resume?

Download the Automotive Technician resume template here

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Rev your engines for an exciting career path as an Automotive Technician by updating your JobStreet profile and searching for #JobsThatMatter. For more career advice, visit the Career Resources page.