Have you ever wondered what helps to propel your car? Are you interested in the mechanics, electronics, and additional systems that make your car work? Then a career in automotive technology might be right for you!
Read on to learn more about what it really means, what kind of education you need, and the variety of career opportunities this field offers!
What is Automotive Technology?
Simply put, it is the study of self-driving vehicles or machines. This applies to standard cars, sports cars, tractor-trailers, marine vessels, etc.
Area members have developed skills in engine design, fuel and ignition, brakes, powertrains, electronics, and diagnostic equipment.
Remember that every major technological advancement in the auto industry can be traced back to research in automotive technology. This umbrella covers areas such as automatic windows, electronic ignition, and adaptive cruise control.
Available Degrees in Automotive Technology
It’s possible to start a career in it without a degree, but the field is getting tougher every day.
Industry certification is usually required. An automotive technology degree helps future employees develop critical skills and provide valuable hands-on experience in the field.
Learn about the different types of degrees and certifications available in this below. Secure a great job opportunity with a competitive salary today!
Associate Degree in Automotive Technology
The Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology is a two-year program of approximately 60 credits. Prerequisites typically revolve around a high school diploma and minimum GPA, although this may vary by institution.
An associate’s degree can be expected to focus primarily on an introduction to repairing, maintenance, transmissions, suspensions, and more. Hands-on learning prepares you to work at the service, maintenance, repair, or manufacturing level.
Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology
The Bachelor of Automotive Technology is a four-year program with 120 credits. A degree includes everything you learn in an associate’s degree and more.
The idea is to prepare students for management and leadership opportunities in this field, where practical skills are developed and they are presented with opportunities to explore research and technologies that contribute to automotive innovation.
Please note that not all schools offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive Technology. Many employees have an associate’s degree or certification sufficient to get started.
Those who can meet the relevant time commitments and wish to pursue a leadership position in this field or to explore research and development should consider a Bachelor of Automotive Technology degree.
Master’s Degree in Automotive Technology
A master’s degree in automotive technology is less common than a bachelor’s degree and should be reserved for those who wish to develop expertise in certain specialties & concentrations.
Certifications
It certificate usually serves as a supplement to an associate’s degree. This type of training allows you to achieve entry-level positions.
If you want to expand your skills and knowledge with a bachelor’s degree, this option may not appeal to you.
For more information on the certification program, visit the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Describes his 40+ certification categories for automotive service technicians.
Career Opportunities
- Automotive Service Technician
- Collision Repair Technician
- Generation Technician
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Light Wheel Mechanic
- Trailer Mechanic
- Shop Mechanic
- Shop Foreman
- Parts Manager
- Quality Control Inspector
- Operation Supervisor
- Tow Truck Driver
Other areas associated with an automotive technology degree are:
- Automotive Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Avionics Maintenance
- Diesel Mechanics
- Electromagnetic Engineering Technology
- Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
The following industries often require the services of an automotive mechanic, including routine maintenance and servicing.
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Hospitality
- Fire Departments
Automotive Technology Jobs Outlook
Since the introduction of the first hybrid vehicles in 2000, the automotive industry has made some major technological advances. Since then, we’ve seen Bluetooth, self-parking, backup cameras, Tesla Autopilot, and more.
Indeed, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that about 46,000 technicians and mechanics will be employed by 2026, with employment prospects rising through 2028.
Don’t let your competitive spirit deter you from studying automotive technology. With baby boomers aging out of the workforce and more individuals seeking four-year degrees and jobs outside the industry, there is a huge demand for skilled automotive technicians who can keep up with different technologies and trends. is in high demand.
These exciting developments largely revolve around advanced automotive technology. This represents an opportunity to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into the driving experience.
Other high-tech deployments include self-driving or self-driving cars, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, biometric seat technology for safer access, automatic high beam control, rear-view cameras, smart home integration, child safety technology, and more. increase.
Conclusion
NEIT ranks as one of the top institutions for automotive engineering degrees. They offer four automotive-related degree programs. Vehicle technology and advanced automotive technology, high-performance vehicle technology, and high-performance advanced automotive technology.
Their programs all cover the same core topics, but their advanced automotive Technology degree includes in-depth study. These syllabuses revolve around the theory of operation and service technology associated with the systems and system components of today’s automobiles.