Education is key for automotive industry

It used to be that people could graduate from high school could learn how to be a mechanic by learning on the job. Today, the automotive industry is changing and employees are required to have training and education that extends beyond high school.
A New York Times article tells of the demand for mechanics, or "automobile service technicians." To keep up with the advancements of hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles, automobile service technicians must be educated in everything in England (communication skills) and computer science (dealing with computers), the article explains.
So where to high school students come it? High schoolers have the opportunity to participate in youth programs, such as the Automotive Youth Educational Systems program, which draws students into the profession. It is a two-year program which students start as juniors. When they are half-way through the program, they get a paid mentored internship with a dealer.
If you are a high school student thinking about becoming an automobile service technician, know that a college degree is required. Experience working for a dealer is great, but advanced education and training is required to earn top dollar.