From the June 26, 2006 Palm Beach Post

Great Opportunities in Automotive Technology Careers

By Toby Chabon-Berger
 

That strange noise coming from under the hood of your automobile, or the red light that suddenly light up on the dashboard, usually means one thing - an immediate trip to your mechanic or automobile dealer's service center.

Today's technology has provided safety, comfort and conveniences for our cars. However, it has also created a shortage of trained automotive technicians.

Palm Beach Community College's Automotive Technology Program manager, Luis F. Tamayo, is a veteran of the industry has seen many changes. "The community college has created a program to serve automotive-workforce needs. We specialize in three areas: automotive-service technology, auto-body repair and diesel technology. The curriculum focuses on automobile technology and applied academics, including communication skills and employability skills," Tamayo said.

"All instructors are master-certified, and PBCC's alignment of the curriculum with the eight competency areas of the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) ensures that graduates of our 18-month program have the same technical expertise and skill sets of graduates of automotive-technology programs around the county.

"We are fortunate to have the input of business partners in the industry who guide us to ensure a real-world nuts-and-bolts practicality to the program. They provide students with part-time jobs while they are attending school and full-time employment upon graduation," Tamayo added.

Former PBCC Students are currently employed with these and other industry leaders:
Lexus of Palm Beach Braman BMW Schumacher Saab Land Rover of Palm Beach Carmax

"As the automobile industry changes, it constantly creates new demands in the training requirements for qualified persons in automotive-technology services," said Bill Tyson, of Bill Tyson's Auto Repair in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, one of PBCC's business partners.

"You used to see gas-station service centers in the neighborhood, but the amount of sophisticated equipment, tools and space needed to be profitable has changed that. Automobile mechanics are no longer a guy with a wrench and a greasy cloth.

"Today's mechanics must demonstrate strong skills working with computerized equipment," Tyson continued. "They must be focused, ready for mental challenges, able to troubleshoot and have the tenacity to follow through."

Another PBCC partner is Schumacher Saab in West Palm Beach. Rick Ruiz is the service manager and sees partnering with education as a win-win situation. "We seek to make students aware that automotive technology is a viable career path and can provide graduates with an opportunity for steady employment and good wages in Palm Beach County.

"Compensation ranges from $25,000 at entry level to more than $65,000 for those with experience and mastery of technical and electronic skills. The well-trained automotive-service person who is Automotive Service Council (ASE) certified can go anywhere in the 50 states and find a job immediately," Ruiz added.

Tamayo, Ruiz and Tyson all agree that high school graduation and a passion for the industry are starting points for those seeking success in the industry.

According to Ruiz, those planning to enter this field need a natural aptitude automotive design, blended with reliability and a good work ethic - "someone who gets excited about fixing cars."

"Graduates must be focused, know how to learn, and have good analytical skills," according to Tyson. "Once they're out of school and have a foundation, we at Tyson have our own apprenticeship and intern programs. We like to grow our own."

New England Tech offers an 18-month diploma course of study, as well as a two-year associate of applied science (AAS) degree, to prepare students for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Dean of Students Bob Laquerre noted that the school's programs are tailored toward traditional students and adults who are changing fields and seeking more-satisfying careers.

Indian River Community College's Stuart campus offers two programs in automotive technology. Its Vocational Certificate Program includes 12 courses, with 1,800 hours of "clock time," plus a two-year associate's degree. High school students can enroll, earning college credits with courses in automotive technology, as well as high school credits.

"All programs are rigorous," said IRCC Automotive Program Manager Gary Higgins. "They will prepare students for a career ladder where there is an enormous demand for qualified master certified technicians.

"If a person has a background in physics and math, is motivated, works hard and stays on top of the constant changes in the industry, he or she can look forward to a career that will pay from $75,000 to $100,000 a year," Higgins added