Automotive Technician

Automotive Technician

Potential earnings range:
$35,692-$60,590*
Per year after graduation

Do you fix cars in your spare time? Enjoy solving problems and working with your hands?   

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Automotive Technician training program. This training area is offered through Silicon Valley Career Technical Education off campus and may require additional prerequisite criteria than what is listed below. Please reach out to your admissions representative if you have questions or need more information regarding enrollment in this training area.

On the job, you will ...

  • Identify problems (often by using computerized diagnostic equipment)  
  • Plan work procedures using charts, technical manuals and experience  
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly  
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels and rotating tires 

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Automotive Technicians graduates go on to work for repair, automotive and mechanic shops, including original equipment manufacturing (OEM) dealerships and aftermarket automotive machine shops.  

Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Collision Repair and Refinish – Damage Analysis and Estimating, Advanced Automobile Service Technology, and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ... 

In the Automotive Technician program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from such organizations as: 

  • National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 
  • National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) 
  • United Automobile Workers (UAW) 

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ... 

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 
  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 
  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 
  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.