Drivetrain Technician
Certificate
Curriculum code 1464
Course Requirements                    Automotive Technology Web site

This program prepares the student for an entry-level position in the automotive service industry performing service, repairs, removal and replacement of manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, drive axles and differentials.

Related Career Programs—Automotive Technology A.A.S. (64 credit hours), Automotive Service Technician Certificate (48 credit hours), Automotive Climate Control Technician Certificate (12) credit hours.

Nature of Work—Automotive drivetrain technicians perform diagnostics and repairs on vehicles having some type of drive­train problem that be related to transmission, differential, drive axle or wheel bearings.

Working Conditions—Almost half of automotive service technicians work a standard 40-hour week, but nearly 30 percent work more than 40 hours. Many of those working extended hours are self employed technicians. To satisfy customer service needs, some service facilities offer evening and weekend service. Generally, service technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and lighted repair shops.

Related Job Titles—Automotive service technician/mechanic, Transmission technician

Employment Outlook—Job opportunities in this occupation are expected to be very good for persons who complete automotive training programs in high school, vocational and technical schools or community colleges. A person with good diagnostic skills should have the best opportunities. For well-prepared people with a technical background, automotive service technician careers offer an excellent opportunity for good pay and satisfaction of highly skilled work with vehicles incorporating the latest in technology. However, persons without formal training are likely to face competition for entry level jobs.

Over the 2004-14 period, demand for technicians will grow as the number of vehicles in operation increases, reflecting continued growth in the number of multi-car families. Growth in demand will be offset somewhat by slowing population growth and the continuing increase in the quality and durability of automobiles, which will require less frequent service. Additional job openings will be due to the need to replace a growing number of retiring technicians, who tend to be the most experienced workers.

Most persons who enter the occupation can expect steady work, even through downturns in the economy. While car owners may postpone maintenance and repair on their vehicles when their budgets become strained, and employers of automotive technicians may cutback hiring new workers, changes in economic conditions generally have minor effects on the automotive service and repair business. Employment growth will continue to be concentrated in automobile dealerships and independent automotive repair shops. Many new jobs also will be created in small retail operations that offer after-warranty repairs, such as oil changes, brake repair, air-conditioner service, and other minor repairs generally taking less than 4 hours to complete. Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics in gasoline service stations will continue to decline, as fewer stations offer repair services. Median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $15.60 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.31 and $20.75 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.70, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $26.22 per hour. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of service technicians in May 2004 were as follows: Local government $38,160 Automobile dealers 38,060 Automotive repair and maintenance 28,810 Gasoline stations 28,030 Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores 27,180 Many experienced technicians employed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this method, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary Source:U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

For job listings and job placement assistance, contact the Job Placement Center, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.