Careers in Automotive Repair, Heating and Refrigeration, and Electrical

One of the best perks of a career as an automotive repair technician, electrician, or a heating and refrigeration repair specialist is that such services are always in demand. These professions stay strong even when the economy wavers. With the right technical skills and a small educational investment in an on-campus or online trade school, you can become a repair technician in the field of your choice. A summary of this career field follows.

About the Fields

Automotive repair is an expansive field that involves the maintenance and repair of traditional engines, diesel engines, and motorcycle engines. In recent years, the automotive service industry has become much more dependent on technology, which has required mechanics to familiarize themselves with an array of complex diagnostic and other computer equipment. This move toward more technologically advanced repairs is what led to the name "technician" rather than "mechanic." Small engine repair technicians perform similar duties, but on smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles and boats.

Electricians and heating and refrigeration repair technicians are other popular careers for which online trade school may prepare you. Electricians perform installation and maintenance for the fuses, wiring, and other devices through which electricity runs. Some electricians also handle the installation of electrical machines in manufacturing plants and factories. Most electricians work in the construction industry. Heating and refrigeration repair workers install and maintain heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and other climate control devices in homes and businesses.

Career Possibilities

If you pursue an automotive repair training program at an online trade school, you'll have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field. For instance, if your interest is in motorcycles and other small engines, you can specialize in small engine repair. Likewise, large-engine repair technicians can specialize in areas like air-conditioning repair, transmission repair, and brake repair.

Career possibilities for electricians tend to fall into one of two categories: construction or maintenance. Some electricians choose to specialize in both. Electricians may choose to work in factories, homes, construction sites, or operate their own businesses. The vast majority of electricians work in the construction industry, performing both maintenance and installation tasks.

Heating and refrigeration repair technicians usually specialize as air-conditioning or heating repair technicians. Some complete training to qualify to perform maintenance on heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning devices. Many heating and refrigeration mechanics work for plumbing and other contractors.

Education and Credentialing

Experts usually advise those seeking employment in automotive repair to complete a formal training program through a high school, vocational school, online trade school, or community college. Although a formal degree is not necessary, the successful completion of a training program is essential for success. Some programs issue certificates to graduates of such programs, while others issue associate's degrees. For workers seeking mechanic jobs in urban areas, obtaining National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is critical. Although ASE certification is not mandatory, it greatly enhances the competitiveness of a candidate for employment. Mechanics can receive ASE certification in one or more of eight areas, including engine repair, electrical systems, and brake repair.

Both electricians and heating and air-conditioning repair technicians usually learn their trades through apprenticeships. These apprenticeships last between four and six years typically. The duration of the apprenticeship may be shortened if the candidate completes a training program through a community college or online trade school. Most states require electricians and heating and refrigeration techs to obtain a license. Commonly, this entails passing an exam, meeting work-experience requirements, and completing an approved apprenticeship.

Additional Info

A trade or technical career is ideal for those who enjoy working with machines, tools, and cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, if a technical or repair career doesn't sound right for you, you have many other fields from which to choose. Read through the career descriptions on our site for more information on other professions that might interest you.

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