Automotive Technology: Connecting Students to Careers!
What do you want to be when you grow up? If you’re still exploring your options, that’s okay! With thousands of career choices out there, it’s hard to decide! Do you enjoy being a “weekend” mechanic or just “tinkering” with your car? Let’s take a look and see if a career in the automotive field might be a “good fit” for your skills and career goals.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair all types of motor vehicles. Service technicians work on engines, transmissions, and drive belts. However, they must also be familiar with integrated electronic systems such as accident-avoidance sensors, braking, transmission, and steering systems. Service technicians sometimes specialize in a particular type of repair including automotive air-conditioning, brake repairers, front-end mechanics, and transmission technicians to name a few.
Are the jobs out there?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to increase 9% nationally and 6% in Mississippi through 2020. Many job prospects will be available as mechanics and technicians retire or change employment. Entry-level service technicians will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repairs as the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise. Job prospects are going to be best for those with postsecondary training, good problem-solving and diagnostic skills, and computer and electronics knowledge and experience. Hinds Community College has an excellent Automotive Technology Program that is well respected in the metro area and beyond!
Possess these qualities……this might be the career for you
- Customer-service skills
- Detail oriented
- Dexterity
- Mechanical skills
- Troubleshooting skills
Which degree option is right for you?
Automotive Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of motor vehicles by providing classroom instruction and laboratory experiences using equipment comparable to that found in industry.
Degree options in the Automotive Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market.
For more info about the Automotive Technology program on the Raymond Campus, contact Steve Miller at SMMiller@hindscc.edu or click the button below:
Note: This program is also offered at the Rankin and Utica campuses
Rankin - 601.936.5522 • Raymond - 601.857.3299 • Utica - 601.885.7009
