Reports say the U.S. will be short about 642,000 mechanics by 2024. This means the need for skilled mechanics is projected to increase. Enrolling in mechanic school can be a great way to get ahead and improve your chances of receiving a stable job.
At Pennco Tech, we offer a variety of courses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to help get you started on your path to the automotive industry, such as the automotive technology program, collision repair program, and diesel technology program. Here, we discuss the predicted mechanic shortage, how women can help fill in the gap, and what types of mechanic jobs are available for graduates.
Finding a Job in the Auto Industry
In the coming year, the demand for skilled, knowledgeable auto mechanics is expected to rise. This is because many mechanics are retiring or changing their careers, among other reasons. Autos aren’t going anywhere, and mechanics who can fix these vehicles are essential to our everyday lives. The automotive industry needs to find quality mechanics to fill the shortage.
Pennco Tech can be a great place to start when it comes to pursuing a career as an auto mechanic. We offer our automotive technology program, collision repair program, and diesel technology program. Once a student completes their chosen course, they can work as a certified, professional mechanic. Throughout your time at our diesel mechanic school, you can learn the basics of vehicles and machinery, as well as more specified topics such as vehicle systems. Not only does this prepare you to enter the workforce, but it can also set you up for success in the future.
We take pride in knowing that over 16,000 students have graduated from our facility and have moved on to hold successful, fulfilling careers at well-known companies, including the following:
- Advance Auto Parts
- Carvana
- Caliber Collision
- ABRA
- CarMax
- Waste Management
Graduates have access to our career services department, which assists students in finding a job after they graduate. Here, our team of professionals can work with you to freshen up necessary job-searching skills such as résumé writing, networking, cover letter drafting, professional development, and more.
Women in the Workplace
Women are changing the world every day, and that includes the world of mechanics. Although the auto mechanic industry is a male-dominated one, women are encouraged to help fill the coming gap in auto mechanics. Enrolling in a vocational school can give women the tools they need to pursue a career as an auto mechanic. Pennco Tech believes in girl power, working to empower women to take over male-dominated trades through courses like our welding program, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration program, and electrician program.
Our programs use hands-on instructional tactics combined with traditional classroom training, allowing students to learn crucial information and understand how it applies in a real working setting. We also provide flexible class scheduling, with some of our auto programs being offered both during the day and in the evening. This means women can still complete everyday duties, like working a job or taking care of a family, while earning their certification. Pennco Tech also offers financial aid opportunities and student loan counseling, helping you to receive an education in a cost-efficient way.
Please note: Financial aid is available only to those students who qualify.
Types of Jobs for Mechanics
After completing courses, mechanics can choose a field that they are most interested in working in. Depending on the courses you take and the experience you have, you may be better suited for some positions over others. Jobs mechanics can pursue include the following:
- Tire mechanic: These mechanics focus on the maintenance and care of tires.
- Diesel mechanic: These mechanics specialize in working with diesel engines.
- Small engine mechanic: These mechanics deal with smaller-sized engines in machinery like power equipment or motorcycles.
- General automotive mechanic: This type of mechanic is responsible for the maintenance and repair of vans, cars, and trucks.
- Heavy equipment mechanic: This type of mechanic specializes in heavy-duty equipment and machinery used in industrial applications like construction or farming.
- Brake and transmission technician: This is a mechanic who specializes in brake and transmission systems in vehicles.
- Auto glass mechanic: This is a mechanic who specializes in the repair and installation of automobile glass structures.
- Auto body mechanic: This type of mechanic deals with replacing or restoring vehicle parts, like panels, headlights, or bumpers.
- Service technician: These mechanics focus on servicing vehicles through the inspection of mechanical and electrical systems.
Mechanics also have the opportunity to be promoted or earn a higher income by gaining additional experience or earning extra certifications. In some cases, mechanics can even go on to own their own businesses.
Get Started at Pennco Tech
Automotive schools are intended to teach students the skills and information they need to thrive in the automotive industry—and that’s no different at Pennco Tech. We deliver personalized, hands-on educational opportunities to students at our Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, campuses. To learn more about finding mechanic jobs following graduation, contact us today.
