Mechanic Skills: Top 7 Skills for Future Auto Technicians

Feb 21, 2020 -

Did you grow up tinkering on cars? Are you the first one your friends and family call on when something is in need of repair? You might make an excellent automotive technician.

In addition to having the right training, automotive technicians possess a certain set of skills that allow them to excel in their job. Great technicians are well-rounded and have both mechanical and interpersonal skills, as they spend time working under the hood and interacting with their customers.

If this is a career path you’re starting to consider, you’re likely asking, “What skills do you need to be a mechanic?” Keep reading to learn all about how to become an auto technician and the top skills employers look for when hiring new talent.1

How to Train to Become an Auto Mechanic

Automotive technicians, also known as mechanics, diagnose, maintain, inspect and repair cars, trucks and other vehicles. They keep the vehicles we rely on every day up and running and are the ones we go to when they break down.

In order to become an auto technician, you will most likely need to complete a training program, like Universal Technical Institute’s 51-week Automotive Technology program, to learn the fundamentals of how today’s vehicles run.

In some cases, this knowledge can be gained through on-the-job experience, but a trade school like UTI is designed to provide you with a focused, hands-on education that can help you jump-start your career in the industry.2 You may even be able to complete your program in less than a year.

Auto mechanic education requirements can vary based on the employer. According to Mark Malizzi, Service Director for Fred Beans Ford of Boyertown, having some kind of automotive training is essential to succeeding in this industry. He recommends taking a high school vocational program if it’s available to you, and then going on to complete a training program at a school like UTI.

Mark also greatly values specialized training. One of the benefits of attending UTI is the school’s relationship with leading manufacturers and the ability to take Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs,15 like the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program. “We highly recommend students to take the Ford FACT program because that gets them 80% trained before coming to our dealership. Plus, the Fred Beans organization is willing to pay part of their tuition back,” Mark shares.14

According to Mark, technicians who take a specialized training program like Ford FACT are more valuable when applying for jobs. Oftentimes, they earn $2-3 more per hour right off the bat for their base pay!6 This is because it makes it easier for the employer to pick up where the student left off with their program and send them to the next level of Ford engineering and training. “In our world, the key really is to have the Ford FACT program training, because it links students to the manufacturer,” Mark says.

Auto Mechanic Requirements

While everyone’s path is different, here are the steps that automotive technicians commonly take when starting their career:

  1. Earn your high school diploma or GED
  2. Enroll in a vocational high school program (if accessible to you)
  3. Complete an automotive training program and consider applying for a manufacturer-specific program
  4. Earn ASE certifications
  5. Gain industry experience working as an entry-level technician or apprentice
  6. Advance in the workforce (some technicians go on to become service managers, master techs or even open their own shop)

Auto Mechanic Skills

Having an in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry in addition to soft skills such as communication and problem solving can separate a good technician from a great one. Demonstrating how you possess the basic mechanic skills in the interview process can set you apart from other applicants and really spark the interest of an employer.

Adaptability

First and foremost, automotive technicians must be able to adapt. This industry is constantly changing, and it’s important for technicians to evolve right alongside it. While it can be easy to get stuck in your ways, the best technicians are flexible and ready to take on any new challenge that comes their way.

“We have a program that continues to constantly change. Because of that, our technicians have to be people who can learn something new and adapt in a quick manner,” Mark shares.

Most technicians will tell you that they are never ‘bored’ in their day-to-day work. This is a fast-paced career, and no two days on the job are alike. Whether you’re meeting with a customer, working on a repair or diagnosing a vehicle, you will have to adapt to your surroundings and be willing to wear multiple hats at times.

Diagnostic & Mechanical Skills Needed to be a Mechanic

When a customer brings in their car for a repair, they are often stressed and overwhelmed. A great technician acknowledges this and is able to find the source of the problem quickly and efficiently. Once they’ve diagnosed the vehicle, they use their mechanical and electrical skills to complete the repair and get the vehicle back up and running.

Auto technicians are knowledgeable about the wide variety of issues that can occur in vehicles and how to solve them. Whether it’s a problem with the brakes, electrical system or ignition, they are able to determine the issue, execute the repair and communicate with the customer throughout the process.

People Skills

Being able to communicate effectively with others will be key to your success as an automotive technician. While much of your time on the job will be spent working on vehicles, you will also interact with your customers on a daily basis. Your customers will rely on you to keep them in the loop throughout the repair process, and in many cases, you will have to re-train the customer on how to use new technology in the car properly.

According to Mark, “Having people skills, a good personality, a professional appearance and being respectful really go a long way in the industry right now.” Being a technician in today’s world is about so much more than identifying problems and replacing parts — you must also be able to communicate with all different kinds of people in order to meet the needs of your customers.

Professionalism

Along with having people skills, great technicians understand the importance of showing professionalism. Your customers will see you as the face of the dealership or repair shop, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. This means dressing in the appropriate attire, being respectful, showing integrity and embodying your company’s values.

Mark shares that as an employer, professionalism is one of the main things he looks for when hiring. Applicants who come to their interview in nice clothes, bring their printed resume and are able to communicate with him are much more likely to get the job than someone who isn’t professional — no matter how great of a technician they are. By taking these steps, you can become more valuable to employers.

Problem-Solving

As with any career, problems will inevitably arise in your day-to-day work as a technician. This requires the ability to problem-solve and think on your feet. Whether a repair is taking longer than expected or a customer is unhappy with their vehicle, it’s the job of a technician to come up with a solution that is best for the customer and the company.

Ability to Use Technology

Changes in technology have transformed the automotive industry. Today’s technicians do so much more than turn wrenches — they work on complex vehicles using high-tech diagnostic equipment. Because of this shift in technology, technicians who are trained to work with the latest tools and equipment are in high demand.

Employers look for technicians who are tech-savvy and motivated to stay up-to-date with the industry as it evolves. Showing that you’re eager to learn and are willing to take advantage of any additional training opportunities will benefit both the employer and your personal career development.

Work Ethic

Successful technicians have an incredible work ethic. They know that their customers are depending on them, so they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and put in the hard work required to get the job done. Their passion for the industry is what drives them to succeed, and they give their all to every repair they work on.

How to Stand Out to a Prospective Employer

If you’re getting ready for an upcoming automotive technician interview, keep these qualities in mind. Employers want to hear about tangible ways you’ve demonstrated these skills, so if you have specific experiences where you’ve shown your ability to problem solve, for example, be sure to share them.

Most importantly, always make sure you’re conveying professionalism. Wear the right attire, shake the employer’s hand, show respect, answer their questions to the best of your ability and thank them for taking the time to meet with you. This can help you to make a positive first impression on the employer, making you much more likely to be considered for the job.

Last but certainly not least, remember to be confident! Trust that your skills, experience and hard work will pay off when you apply for jobs and meet with employers. Best of luck!

Want additional resources? Be sure to check out our auto technician interview tips and resume examples and template.

Train to Become an Automotive Technician at UTI

From vehicle electronic technology to diagnostics and drivability, UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program is designed to equip you with the skills the industry says matters most. To learn more, visit our program page and request information today. 

UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

NASCAR Technical Institute Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
With classes starting every 3-6 weeks, no need to wait to start your career.
Hands-on training.Get hands on experience with the industry's leading brands.
No Pressure to commit.Get answers to your questions without any obligations.
Or Call Now 800.834.7308

1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
6 ) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
14 ) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
15 ) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

TRAINING FOR A NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

Step 1 of 1

By submitting this form, I agree that MIAT College of Technology, Universal Technical Institute, Inc., Custom Training Group, Inc. and their representatives may email, call, and / or text me with marketing messages about educational programs and services, as well as for school-related communications, at any phone number I provide, including a wireless number, using prerecorded calls or automated technology. I understand that my consent is not required to apply, enroll or make any purchase. I further understand and agree that I may instead call MIAT at 1-800-477-1310 for Canton, MI and 1-888-547-7047 for Houston, TX or UTI at 1-800-913-7524 to request admission information. I understand that if I do submit this form, I may unsubscribe within marketing emails or opt-out of text messages at any time by replying “STOP.” Standard text message and data rates may apply.By submitting this form, I further understand and agree that all information provided is subject to UTI’s Privacy Policy available at www.uti.edu/privacy-policy and UTI's SMS Terms and Conditions available at www.uti.edu/sms-terms-conditions.