Careers in Automotive Technology
Will obtaining an Automotive Technology degree help you pursue a career? In this guide, we go over the top careers in automotive technology you can pursue with this education.
Key Points
- Pursuing a career as an auto mechanic in Florida requires a refined training plan.
- A high school diploma or GED is often required by employers for auto mechanic jobs in Florida.
- Enrolling in a trade program, such as Universal Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology program, can provide formal training and credentials.1
- Specialized training programs, such as BMW FastTrack, Ford FACT and MB Drive (Mercedes-Benz), can further advance skills as an automotive technician.
- UTI offers its Automotive Technology program at its Florida campuses in Orlando and Miramar, providing vital industry skills for pursuing auto mechanic jobs.
Becoming an auto mechanic in Florida isn’t always easy.
However, this shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing a career in the Sunshine State! All this means is that your training plan needs to be refined.
Ideally, your plan should include an automotive training program that teaches essential trade skills. These skills can also be established on paper, which can help when it comes to applying for entry-level roles in the automotive industry.
This training is available through Universal Technical Institute’s 51-week Automotive Technology program at our two campuses in Florida: Orlando and Miramar.7 While enrolled, students learn about automotive mechanic course topics like:
- Automotive engine service and repair.
- Professional automotive service writing.
- Automotive climate control systems and repair.
Continue reading to learn more. We’ll relay our learning-based training strategy on how to become a mechanic in Florida!
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Many employers for auto mechanic jobs in Florida only hire candidates with at least a high school diploma or a GED diploma. These documents prove the completion of a structured curriculum, which requires discipline and reasoning ability — traits that auto technicians need to deal with the rigors of a trade program and successfully complete their duties as auto mechanics.
Obtaining a high school degree or GED takes time, but it can also open up your options! Without either, it could be difficult to gain admission to an automotive mechanic school to prepare you for an entry-level position, and a career as an auto mechanic could take much longer to develop.
Read: UTI Admissions Requirements
2. Enroll in a Trade Program
Many entry-level auto mechanic jobs require formal training experience, so credentials from an automotive technology trade school program could make a big difference. They show students have completed automotive training that teaches them how to perform essential automotive mechanic tasks like diagnostics, repairs and maintenance.
After completing the Automotive Technology program at our campuses in Orlando and Miramar, graduates earn an occupational associate degree (OAD).
Completing UTI’s Automotive Technology program can help add credibility to your résumé, which can help you as you pursue a career as an automotive mechanic. And our Career Services team can help you prepare for job interviews and apply for positions.
Read: How to Train to Become an Auto Electrician
3. Continue Schooling With Specialized Training
Specialized automotive training can advance your skills as an automotive technician even further. Students who have completed UTI’s core Automotive Technology program are eligible to apply for our Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs, which provide this type of training!
MSAT programs, which may be paid for by the manufacturer or the student upon enrollment, teach engine-servicing skills specific to the automotive engine brands covered by the program. They may even help students learn about job opportunities from the manufacturer who helped develop their training!
We also provide a wide variety of specialized automotive training programs at our other campuses beyond the ones described below!
BMW FastTrack
- Program duration: 12 weeks
- Potential credentials: BMW Associate Level III Certification, 7 factory credentials
The BMW FastTrack program provides student-paid training in BMW vehicle servicing. Students can also learn how to use the same BMW-specific technology and equipment found in the field. All this helps them gain the practical and technical knowledge needed to pursue positions servicing BMW vehicles after graduation!
BMW dealerships across the country also recognize BMW Associate Level III Certification. FastTrack graduates will have documentation proving they have previously and successfully completed training relevant to the work for which they are applying.
Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT)
- Program duration: 15 weeks
- Potential credentials: Up to 13 Ford STST classroom credentials, 80+ web-based credentials
The Ford FACT program provides student-paid training. This training teaches students how to service Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Students also dive deeper into engine performance and theory using Ford’s automotive technology and instructional support.
Ford FACT graduates also receive a Ford STARS ID, which tracks their training history and can be viewed by employers. Students with these IDs will have a track record of learning how to complete the required tasks needed at Ford and Lincoln dealerships!
Mercedes-Benz Drive
- Program duration: 17 weeks
- Potential credentials: Systems Technician Status
The MB Drive program is manufacturer-paid and is one of UTI’s more competitive specialized training programs. Students chosen for the program train at Mercedes-Benz’s facility in Jacksonville, which is about 140 miles from Orlando.15
Students spend a significant amount of time in labs learning deductive technical reasoning and gaining hands-on training. This training helps them develop a better understanding of the technology and skills used at Mercedes-Benz dealerships, and MB Drive graduates can earn Mercedes-Benz Systems Technician status after six months of employment at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership.!
Read: What Is a Fleet Mechanic?
How to Become a Mechanic in Florida FAQs
What is the average mechanic salary in Florida?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median average salary for auto mechanics in the U.S. was $47,770 in May 2023. This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
Do you need a special license to be a mechanic in Florida?
No, you do not need a special license to become a mechanic in Florida. However, obtaining industry-standard credentials such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification may improve your opportunities. The BLS reported that most employers require employees to pursue ASE certification. Luckily, UTI grads can substitute their training for one of the two years of work experience required to test.
Do you need a mechanic license to open a shop in Florida?
Individual mechanics do not need a license to work, but anyone who receives payment to repair motor vehicles must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This means auto shop owners will need this license to operate. Additionally, while Florida doesn’t issue state-wide business operating licenses, many cities and counties do, so be sure to research the requirements where you work.
Train at UTI and Learn How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Florida!
During your pursuit of an entry-level role as an automotive mechanic, don’t stop learning. Continue to push yourself. Be ambitious about learning opportunities even after you’ve trained how to become an auto mechanic in Florida, and you could help advance your skills and your career!
UTI’s Automotive Technology program is available at both Florida trade school locations in Orlando and Miramar. In these programs, instructors with years of industry experience teach students vital industry skills needed to help them pursue auto mechanic jobs.
When you’re ready to begin training, fill out an automotive trade school application. If you want to learn more about our program first, request more information!
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.
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.