9 Things Employers Want You to Know
Interested in a successful career as a technician? Here's some advice from nine industry professionals about how to grow a career.
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In-Demand Auto Mechanic Skills
Key Points
- A training program, such as Universal Technical Institute's Automotive Technology program, can teach the fundamentals of vehicle repair.
- Specialized training programs can fine-tune students’ mechanical skills and potentially expand their opportunities.
- In addition to technical skills, automotive technicians need strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with customers and provide excellent customer service.
- Professionalism is highly valued in the automotive industry, and technicians should dress appropriately, show integrity and embody their company's values.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new technology are essential for automotive technicians, as the industry is constantly evolving.
Did you grow up tinkering with 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 jobs. 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 mechanic skills employers look for when hiring new talent.
How To Learn Auto Mechanic Skills
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 gain the mechanics skills employers value, 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.1
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 a career in the industry.18 You may even be able to complete your program in less than a year.7
Auto mechanic skill 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.
How to build specialized auto mechanic skills
Mark also greatly values specialized training. One of the benefits of attending UTI is the school’s relationship with leading manufacturers and the availability of Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs, 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 skills list
While everyone’s path is different, here are the steps that automotive technicians commonly take when starting their careers:
- Earn a high school or GED diploma.
- Enroll in a vocational high school program (if accessible).
- Complete an automotive training program and consider applying for a manufacturer-specific program.
- Earn ASE certifications.
- Gain industry experience working as an entry-level technician or apprentice.
- Advance in the workforce (some technicians go on to become service managers, master techs or even open their own shop).77
Auto Mechanic Skill Requirements
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
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 is one of the most important mechanic skills you can have and will be key to success as an automotive technician. While much of your time on the job will be spent working on vehicles, mechanics will also interact with customers on a daily basis. Their customers will rely on them to keep them in the loop throughout the repair process, and in many cases, they 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. Customers will see mechanics as the face of the dealership or repair shop, so it’s important to put they best foot forward. This means dressing in the appropriate attire, being respectful, showing integrity and embodying the 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, applicants can become more desirable to employers.
Problem-solving
As with any career, problems will inevitably arise in 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 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 depend 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 mechanic 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.
Mechanic Skills FAQs
What technical skills do I need to become an auto mechanic?
To become an auto mechanic, you'll need a strong understanding of automotive systems, diagnostic tools and repair techniques. Proficiency in using hand tools and computerized diagnostic equipment is also important. Gain hands-on practice with UTI's automotive training program.
What are the duties of a mechanic?
Auto mechanic duties include diagnosing vehicle issues, performing routine maintenance and repairing various automotive systems such as engines, brakes and electrical components. All of this contributes to safe vehicle operation.
How can I sharpen the soft skills needed to be a mechanic?
Participating in workshops, securing mentorship and seeking out opportunities to practice can help you develop soft skills. You can get all of this at UTI. We offer support coaches and mentorship, foster a professional learning environment and provide interview training, career coaching and career development classes.
Build Auto Mechanic Skills at UTI
From vehicle electronic technology to diagnostics and drivability, UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program is designed to equip students with the skills the industry says matter most. To learn more, visit our program page and request information today.
UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training
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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.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
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.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.
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