Start Your Career at Auto Technician Schools near Marion, Illinois

If you enjoy working with cars and solving problems, a career as an auto technician may be right for you. There are many technical schools and community colleges in Illinois where you can learn skills and gain experience to prepare for this rewarding career. Review this guide to learn more about auto technicians, the requirements to become one, and schools where you can go to become an auto technician near Marion, Illinois.

What is an auto technician?

“Man holding key with car engine in background.” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by shixart1985

An automotive technician, also known as a service technician, is a mechanic who diagnoses, maintains, and repairs vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. These technicians use diagnostic tools to inspect and test vehicle systems and parts, such as engines or electrical components. Once they understand the problem, an auto technician plans and performs repairs using various tools, such as welding torches, wrenches, sockets, and ratchets. They may also use computerized systems to repair electronic systems in a vehicle. Auto technicians often perform routine maintenance, such as changing the oil or replacing worn brake pads.

Requirements to become an auto technician in Illinois

In Illinois, employers can have different requirements for auto technicians, but most jobs require a combination of education, training, or certification. Here’s a look at the requirements to become an auto technician in Illinois:

Education

If you want to become an auto technician in Illinois, you must earn your high school diploma or GED. Some high schools offer vocational programs to help students learn mechanic skills, including automotive repairs. In addition to high school education, many employers prefer to hire auto technicians who have completed a postsecondary certificate program or associate degree. These programs typically take six months to two years to complete and combine coursework with hands-on training to help prepare you for a career as an auto technician.

Training

Many dealerships and repair shops provide on-the-job training for entry-level auto technicians. You can search for technician trainee or technician’s helper jobs, which typically require you to work under the supervision of an experienced technician. Others begin their automotive careers as parts specialists or service consultants before transitioning to technician jobs. Some employers may require auto technicians to have two years of prior experience in automotive repairs.

Certification

While auto technicians in Illinois don’t have to be licensed, many dealerships and repair shops prefer to hire technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the industry standard for auto technicians and mechanics. The ASE offers a variety of certifications to help you showcase your skills in different automotive areas, such as engine repair or electronic systems. For most certifications, you must have either two years of experience as an auto technician or one year of work experience and an associate degree or certificate.

In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires any auto technician who works with refrigerants to become certified. Many technical schools and companies, such as dealerships, offer training to help you pass the EPA certification exam.

Auto technician schools near Marion, Illinois

If you’re interested in pursuing postsecondary training to gain skills as an auto technician, here are some schools to check out near Marion, Illinois:

Shawnee Community College

Located in Ullin, Illinois, Shawnee Community College offers an ASE-certified automotive technology program. The two-year program combines laboratory work and diagnostic skills to help you gain the qualifications to be successful as an auto technician. After completing the program, you’ll earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. You’ll take general education classes, such as English and psychology, along with program-specific courses. Some of the automotive courses include engine performance, brakes, suspension and steering, auto heating and air conditioning, and advanced electronic systems.

Southern Illinois University

If you’re interested in getting a bachelor’s degree, consider enrolling at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois. SIU is one of only a few schools in the country where you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in automotive technology. The program features a curriculum of automotive technology and business operations classes and paid internship opportunities. During the four-year program, you’ll take various general courses, such as mathematics, English, and social sciences. Automotive courses in the program include automotive electrical principles, manual drivetrains, suspension and steering systems, diagnostics and emissions, and engine management.

Southeastern Illinois College

Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Illinois, offers a one-year Basic Vehicle Repair Technician certificate. In the fall semester, you can choose from various classes, including basic mechanical skills, introduction to auto technology, engine electronics, auto electronics, basic internal combustion engines, and auto engine fundamentals. In the spring semester, you take preventative maintenance, diesel heating and air, diesel or auto suspension and steering, and an auto or diesel elective. Southeastern Illinois College also has a diesel technology program with an associate degree or certificate option for those interested in working with medium- or heavy-duty trucks.

John A. Logan College

You can pursue either an Associate in Applied Science or Master Certificate in automotive services technology from John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. Both programs take two years to complete. The associate degree program features a curriculum of general education and automotive technology courses, while the certificate program focuses only on automotive classes. Depending on which path you take, you’ll take different courses, such as fuel and exhaust systems, automotive computer electronics, drivetrain basics, engine performance, and alternative fuels. Students must supply their own toolsets for automotive classes.

Rend Lake College

In Ina, Illinois, Rend Lake College offers an automotive technology program certified by The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in automotive technology or certificates in eight areas to prepare students for ASE certifications. The certificate programs take between one and four semesters to complete, while the associate degree track is a two-year program. Classes vary depending on your program but may include engine repair, electrical systems, manual drivetrain and axles, braking systems, air conditioning, and suspension and steering.

Find an auto technician in Marion, Illinois

Now you know more about the requirements to become an auto technician in Illinois and some schools offering formal education and training near Marion, Illinois. At Volkswagen of Marion, we’re proud to have highly qualified auto technicians with years of experience providing quality service to customers in Southern Illinois. Our auto technicians can perform various maintenance and repairs, including oil changes, tire rotations, multi-point inspections, brake replacements, diagnostics, transmission services, and more. Once you’ve finished your auto technician training, join our team by applying for our auto technician jobs online.

Schedule your automotive service online today. We look forward to welcoming you to the Volkswagen of Marion Service Center.