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Computers on Wheels
Thanks to technological advances, vehicles continue to evolve into complex “computers on wheels” with every passing model year. These sophisticated vehicles require skilled technicians to repair and service them. Continuing your education is one of the best things you can do to advance your career and ensure that you’re ready to work on today’s cars, trucks and SUVs.
Never Stop Learning
Armed with a diploma from an automotive tech program, you may think that your days in a classroom are over. But new technology and advances mean that cars are constantly changing. To keep up with the demands, you’ll need to stay on top of the latest repair techniques and diagnostic tools used. Look at your initial diploma/certification as a base that you’ll spend the rest of your career building upon. Having this mindset helps to set you up for workplace success.
Advantages of Ongoing Education
From finding a job to being promoted, continuing your education can pay big dividends throughout your career.
Job Search
Adding certifications and training to your resume is a great way to make yourself stand out to prospective employers. In a competitive job market, you need every advantage to help you nail down the job. Hiring managers value education; additional certifications show that this isn’t just a job for you, this is a career that you’re willing to invest in for the long term.
Move Up the Ranks
Once you secure the job, your education journey isn’t over. By continuing to learn new techniques and stay current on industry trends shows your employer a high-level of commitment that may be rewarded with a promotion and/or pay raise.
Work Efficiently
Keeping current on the latest techniques and methods for repairing vehicles is a must in a rapidly changing auto industry. Having the latest information can help you complete your repair orders efficiently, meaning you can take on more work for more billable hours.
Learn New Skills
Classes, workshops and other training is a great way to add an area of expertise to your skill set. The more repairs you’re qualified to make, the more valuable you become to both your current employer and other potential employers.
Continuing Education Options
While formal workshops and classes likely come to mind when you think of training, ongoing education can take many forms:
Onsite Classes
Training in a classroom setting gives you the advantage of learning in a garage setting. You don’t have to make a long-term commitment to getting a degree; you can take a single class in an area that interests you. Check out local trade schools and community colleges for a list of these types of courses.
Online Training
Don’t have time to sit in a classroom? Online classes give you the flexibility to fit classes around your busy work and family schedules. Learning at your own pace is a big advantage of online education.
Blogs and Websites
There are countless websites, blogs and other resources dedicated to auto repair. Bookmark your favorites and check in often to learn about industry trends.
Videos and Podcasts
A quick search on YouTube returns a vast number of videos dedicated to auto repair, and the same goes for podcasts on your favorite subscription platform. Videos and podcasts from sources that you trust are a great way to expand your knowledge base.
Find a Mentor
Look around your shop: there is likely an experienced technician who could teach you a thing or two. Ask them if they would consider serving as a mentor to you. This can be a great way to further your learning without ever stepping into a classroom.
Further Your Career with Garage Gurus®
Look to Garage Gurus to help you attain the certifications and training you need to get ahead. Garage Gurus is committed to arming technicians with the latest information to keep up with the ever-changing repair environment. We offer onsite and online training along with a tech hotline (1-800-325-8886) and product technology vans equipped with product samples and interactive demos.
Onsite workshop courses give you the opportunity to learn directly from a Garage Guru master trainer at one of the 12 Garage Guru technical support centers. You’ll get the hands-on experience you need to solve real-world issues you’ll see in the garage. Sign up for a class today.
The Garage Gurus eLearning Program offers over 100 courses covering the topics that matter the most to you. Available online whenever you’re ready to learn, you can take Garage Gurus eLearning courses on any device with an Internet connection; use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to learn. Online courses bring world-class technical support to you with easy-to-follow instruction. Many eLearning courses also include CASE Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). Register for an online class today.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.