Article - Kids, Cars and Repairs

Not every kid in school is on track for college. That, in itself, is not a bad thing. Sometimes we push students in a direction they aren’t equipped to go, or don’t want to go, when it would simply be better for them and their parents to allow their kids to find their natural inclination and go with that. What am I talking about? Education beyond high school, particularly a technical career working on cars. There isn’t anything shameful about an automotive career, in fact the pay is quite good, more than what many college educated students could ever hope to earn. Let’s examine the choices for today’s wrench turning students.

Back when I was in high school, a career in auto mechanics was looked down upon by some. Too blue color; too difficult a job is what was said. Since then, cars have changed dramatically with electronic equipment becoming standard across the board. Gone are carburetors; in their place are complicated multiport fuel injector systems. Throw in a variety of sensors including oxygen sensors, knock sensors, and the like, and today’s cars are more like computers on wheels. To work on one of these models requires some serious education, much of what isn’t learned through a typical college course.

Here are some of the options for the aspiring auto mechanic in your family:

On the job training Yes, some garages are more than willing to take on a young mechanic, bringing them into a shop to learn as they go. These apprentice mechanics already have a keen understanding about cars and have likely worked on their own cars, family cars, and friends’ cars for years. Of course, the pay isn’t the highest and the jobs given typically include all the oil changes, tire rotations, replacing auto mirrors, and simple tune ups, but a good garage will allow your kid to sit in on tougher jobs including replacing exhaust systems, engine and transmission overhaul, and the like.

Associates or technical degree One year certificates or two year associates degrees are a popular option for many students. With course emphasis on automotive repair, design and maintenance, these programs are ideal for the student who needs a bit of additional formal education beyond high school shop without being bogged down by courses in history, language arts, or advanced placement math. Courses dealing with aerodynamics such as grille design, advanced electronics, emissions management, etc. are all vital parts of a valuable curriculum.

Bachelors and beyond So, maybe your kid is both a good wrench turner and an academic leader. Then what? Well, somebody has to manage a shop to ensure that it is well run and that it turns a profit. A bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in automotive science can be very helpful and profitable too. This type of degree is especially useful if your student is inclined to start and manage his or her own shop.

Naturally, if your student has a bent in auto mechanics specialized courses available through automotive manufacturers can also be handy...and lucrative. No, these courses won’t just deal with turn signals instead the unique characteristics of Audi Quattro suspension, or GM electronic steering, or BMW engine design might be taught. Think about it: an emphasis on any one of these or other specialties can help your student command a high salary, even in the six figures range!

So, the next time you seem a bit frustrated over your kid’s aspirations, take a deep breath, a step back, and find out what will make him happy. Chances are you will ensure his success if you work with, not against his “bent” in life.