With so many vehicles in need of routine service and maintenance in the Golden State, California needs automotive service and repair technicians.

By Gabby Hyman
RWM Columnist
April 17, 2007

Famous for its two-car families and miles of uninterrupted highway, California is also home to state-of-the-art automotive vocational schools. Campus-based automotive schools offer hands-on training to prepare graduates for work on the many makes and models running on California roads.

Getting Your Automotive Vocational Schooling in California
California is full of trade schools offering technical training, certification and test preparation, and degree programs in automotive technology. Your technical training at these vocational schools will include coursework in engine systems, drivability diagnostics, drive-train systems, emissions, chassis, collision/paint refinishing, and electrical systems. Choose a specialization in either automotive diagnostics or applied service management to round out your degree or diploma.

Mad Connections
In addition to basic training, many southern California automotive trade schools maintain partnerships with automakers, including Ford, BMW, Toyota, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, and International. Partnerships provide model-specific technical training in engines, drive trains, computer diagnostics, and repairs, preparing graduates for work at designated dealerships and repair shops specializing in brand names.

The Pay
According to Salary.com, Los Angeles-area technicians with two years' experience or less earn between $27,183 and $46,712. After two years of automotive service, however, a mechanic's earnings climb to between $36,390 and $58,230 annually. After four years on the job, Los Angeles mechanics can earn as much as $70,000 a year.

Test Prep and Certification
To land a job at a high-paying shop, you'll need professional certification. Many California automotive schools are affiliated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Coursework in these schools is designed to help vocational students train for ASE tests. Although you'll need two-years of on-the-job experience before being able to sit for the examinations, affiliated trade schools can offer programs tailored to the subject matter of the certification tests.

With so many things to learn, and so many places to do it, California is a motorhead's playground. Put your career in high gear today.

Sources
Salary.com
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.