Are you a car expert?

How To Become a Transmission Specialist?

A high school diploma is required to begin a career as a transmission specialist. It’s quite possible that some postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree will be necessary as well.

Automotive repair specialists are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a similar field. The automotive industry is one of the most competitive sectors in which to obtain employment. Because there are so many car models and makes on the market, job openings are plentiful. Hundreds of thousands of automobile dealerships exist across this nation.

Mechanical ability, strong mathematics, and English abilities are all necessary for this work. Knowledge of hydraulic and computerized systems connected with transmissions, as well as the use of computerized diagnostic equipment, is also required.

To become a car service technician, you’ll need to have a car in good working order. You’ll also need the ability to obtain the necessary tools, as well as a clean driving record, passing background checks and drug tests, and a valid driver’s license. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive service technicians and mechanics, the average salary for a transmission specialist, in the year 2018, was approximately $48,000.

Step 1: Training

Students who have completed high school may enroll in a trade school to complete a two or three-semester certificate program in transmission repair, or they may enroll in a community college and obtain an associate’s degree in automobile repair.

Alternatives include enrolling in an apprenticeship program or obtaining a low-level position and receiving on-the-job training. Car manufacturers, schools, and dealers provide apprenticeships or collaborative partnerships to offer students both work experience and classroom education in order for them to earn an associate’s degree while also gaining job skills. These programs can generally last from a minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 4 years, depending upon various factors.

Finding a program that includes a factory-training certification would be beneficial. Some associate’s degree programs provide manufacturers with factory-training credentials to their graduates. Some employment advertisements seek applicants with previous experience or expertise working on a specific automobile brand. A factory certification from a major automotive manufacturer, along with an associate’s degree, might help the applicant stand out in the job market.

Step 2: Experience

Employers look for transmission specialists who have a certain level of expertise and formal training. A dealer or manufacturer-sponsored degree program, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job experience in an entry-level job can all help you gain this expertise. Entry-level technicians are most likely to begin as trainee workers or technician helpers. They may start out cleaning and oiling components and gradually increasing their duties.

When starting a new career, it might be wise to invest in tools right away or when you’ve been hired for anything more than an entry-level position. Although employers may possess and supply diagnostic equipment for transmissions, most mechanics are required to bring their own hand tools. To be able to accept new work, aspiring transmission experts should begin to construct their toolset and keep it in good shape. Because many mechanics operate on a commission basis, having the tools to complete a task without assistance is critical.

Step 3: Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) requires transmission specialists to be certified. Transmission experts who work with automobiles frequently prefer to be certified by this organization.

ASE certification is required for transmission specialists to demonstrate their understanding of manual and automatic transmissions in automobiles and light trucks. Candidates must have 2 years of experience to take the exam. Candidates may be able to substitute certain qualifying training for job experience.

Certifications are valid for five years and must be renewed. After that, transmission technicians must take a recertification test. Transmission specialists who keep their credentials may improve their employment prospects and chances of promotion in the business.

Automobile producers also issue factory-training certifications for the vehicles they create. Dealerships frequently send workers to factory training to earn this credential. Factory-training courses are part of several associate’s degree programs, and after graduation, graduates may obtain factory-training certificates.

So, if you’re considering a profession as a transmission technician, be sure to have a high school diploma, ASE certifications, an apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training to advance in this field. It’s also worth noting that many businesses look for applicants who are certified by specific automobile manufacturers and who have their own toolkit.