How to Find a Mechanic Apprentice Job in the United States

In most cases, you will need a high school education or GED to enter a mechanic apprentice program. From there, you will learn how to identify and repair a wide range of issues. Fortunately, apprenticeship programs allow new workers to learn from master mechanics while earning money.

In this article, you’ll learn about mechanic employment prospects, the basics of a full-time mechanic career, and how to find mechanic apprentice jobs. Continue reading to learn how to jump-start your career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certain full-time automotive mechanic job titles are expected to increase in the coming years. These include:

• Automotive service technician jobs in aircraft and avionics equipment are expected to grow 5% in the next decade due to an increase in air traffic and the need for additional aircraft maintenance. There will be a continual need to replace workers leaving the industry due to retirement.
• Employment for small engine mechanics is expected to increase by 3% from 2019 to 2029. These mechanics work on boat engines, mechanical parts for outdoor equipment, motorcycles, and other small engines. In the coming years, these mechanics will be in high demand due to the widespread use of small engines. Like most industries, workers who’ve completed postsecondary training programs are anticipated to have the best job prospects.
• The job outlook for diesel technicians in the next decade is good and expected to grow by 3%. In the coming years, more freight will be shipped across the country, which will require diesel mechanics to repair diesel engines and diesel-powered trucks. Mechanics with postsecondary education will have more job opportunities beyond diesel truck care, followed by mechanics who’ve graduated from high school automotive programs or vocational schools.

All automotive mechanics perform a variety of duties that depend on what they’re working on. Depending on the size of the garage or their level of experience, some mechanics even become experts in specific systems. For example, at a dealership, a mechanic might become an expert in repairing a specific make of vehicle.

Although some duties between mechanics may overlap, specific job duties vary depending on the type of mechanic. For instance, a diesel mechanic, auto mechanic, aircraft mechanic, and small engine mechanic inspect, diagnose, and repair. However, each mechanic goes more in-depth within their specialty, which is why a specialized apprenticeship program is essential. Differences in mechanic duties are particularly noticeable when comparing diesel mechanics and auto mechanics. Diesel mechanics tend to work on larger, more specialized freights, while auto mechanics work on your average household vehicles.

Regardless of which type of auto mechanic work you choose, all apprenticeship programs will increase the difficulty of your duties as your skills develop. As apprentices continue to learn from their skilled employers, they can begin to be responsible for more complex work. And with more education and on-the-job training, apprentices can expect to earn more money.

An apprenticeship is a hands-on approach to preparing for a job. It is an effective way to prepare workers for their responsibilities and train them to be highly competitive. Essentially, apprenticeships give workers the opportunity to earn money while learning their craft, allowing more people to enter certain careers with limited experience.

In the 1930s, the National Apprenticeship Act was passed to standardize apprenticeship programs. By standardizing apprenticeship programs, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) main goal was to establish a constant stream of qualified workers. For this reason, the DOL created standards for State Apprenticeship Agencies to follow.

All apprenticeship programs should be run by sponsors. These sponsors help match novice apprentices to workplaces. In some cases, a trade union might run the apprenticeship program to help train entry-level members for the organization.

Most apprenticeship programs have five components:

1. Structured training. Apprenticeship programs have structured on-the-job training with mentors.
2. Employer involvement. Employers play an important role in apprenticeship programs. Once the program is developed, employers are usually very involved.
3. Academic instruction. These programs have an academic curriculum taught in tandem with on-the-job training.
4. Reward-based pay. All apprentices receive a starting wage. As their skill sets improve, so does their pay.
5. Nationally recognized credential. Once someone finishes an apprenticeship program, they should receive a nationally recognized credential. Because of this, graduates can find other employment opportunities.

Finding a mechanic apprenticeship program job will help you advance your skills, abilities, and knowledge of the specific industry you choose. Combining in-person education and on-the-job training, an apprenticeship will help pave the way for a successful career.

The minimum requirement for entering a mechanic apprenticeship program is a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed some type of mechanics certification program; however, it is not always necessary to get an apprentice-level job.

Usually, most employers will require that you have a valid driver’s license in addition to a high school diploma or GED. Before you enter a program, you will usually be required to pass a background test and a drug screening. Additionally, you may have to provide your own tools and be able to show you possess physical stamina and manual dexterity.

Once you start the auto mechanic apprenticeship program, you will have two years of on-the-job training accompanied by academic instruction. If you choose to find a job as a mechanic apprentice, you can take certification exams by the second year, like the ASE certification (Automotive Service Excellence). In total, there are eight exams that you must pass to receive master status. In addition, mechanics can earn additional certifications in the future.

Moreover, joining an apprenticeship program is often a better financial decision than attending a trade school. These full-time positions not only tackle the costs of education but also provide a liveable wage. Over the course of your education, your pay will increase.

Aside from earning while you learn, apprenticeship programs have other benefits. Going through an apprenticeship program ensures you are well-trained and ready for a high-skilled work environment. All in all, apprenticeship programs are proven to improve productivity and reduce turnover. In fact, 91% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program are employed nine months later.

By taking a systematic approach to training, mechanics are also better trained and have a safer work environment. However, this doesn’t mean apprenticeships can’t be tailored to a business’s specific needs. In fact, the option to customize training largely leads to well-trained mechanics.

Automotive mechanic apprentice job programs ensure that you are prepared to enter the workforce. Over 94% of individuals who enter an apprenticeship program keep their job and earn competitive salaries. Finding a mechanic apprentice job allows you to get paid while you become an expert in your field. As a skilled automotive mechanic, you can anticipate future job opportunities and room to improve your skills in the coming years.

Before you begin your job search, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. With all apprenticeship programs, you should receive a wage, classroom learning, on-the-job learning, mentorship, and nationally recognized credentials. As a mechanic, you will need these credentials to advance in your career, working on more challenging projects and earning more money.

You’ll have a lot of luck finding an apprentice technician job through a union, as many apprenticeships are done through trade unions. A labor union is aimed at improving the lives of working men and women. Joining a union can have many benefits, including fair pay, better work hours, health insurance, sick leave, and a safe work environment. By entering a mechanic apprenticeship program at a unionized job, you will have well-trained individuals to help you improve your mechanic skills.

Finding a reputable automotive mechanic apprenticeship job is made simple when you use the right platform. Joblist compiles all of the full-time and part-time job postings that match your description and are within the specific geographic boundaries that you set. With just a few pieces of information, we generate top job descriptions that fit your individual career path.