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Wondering about starting a career in the automotive or manufacturing industries? There are lots of options when deciding to develop a natural mechanical skill into a long-term career path. From general automotive to specializations in diesel, motorcycle, or marine mechanics, there are many different opportunities to think about when choosing something to study. Here are just some of the possibilities you can consider for an automotive or manufacturing career in the Dallas area.

Auto technicians identify problems, plan repairs, and perform maintenance tasks, ensuring proper testing and process completion along the way. They also explain issues to customers, examine parts, and monitor electronic and computer systems. Mechanics may choose to specialize in areas such as diesel, motorcycle, or marine technology, performing similar tasks and executing maintenance and repair work on those types of vehicles and equipment.

Car dealers account for 31% of auto service technicians and mechanics, 27% work in mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance, and 9% work in parts, accessories, and tire stores—as recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 13% are self-employed workers in the trade. Most, regardless of place of employment, work full time: standard business hours, nights, weekends, and overtime are all common.

With a national median wage of nearly $40,000 per year (according to May 2017 data from the BLS) and projected growth of 6% between 2016 and 2026, automotive technician and mechanic jobs can be a great option for those who are mechanically inclined and interested in pursuing automotive training. Texas has the second highest number of automotive service technicians and mechanics by state, with an annual average salary of more than $43,000, according to the BLS for May 2017. Dallas has the eighth highest number of such jobs by metropolitan area, with an annual average salary of over $42,000.

Ready to pursue a career training program in automotive technology and mechanics? The Imagine America Foundation has a robust network of schools here:  https://www.imagine-america.org/our-schools/ that can support you on your education journey. Career training programs for automotive, motorcycle, diesel, and marine technicians (or other similar tracks) can be completed in as little as a year and typically include hands-on training specifically designed to prepare you for the certifications and skills you need to work in the industry.

IAF also offers programs to help lower the cost of tuition for qualified students when you enroll at our member institutions. Thousands of students receive these scholarships and awards each year, helping them attend one of more than 400 partner campuses. We’ve given more than 5,000 such awards to automotive students in the Dallas metropolitan area alone! These programs are designed to support recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current or honorably discharged military personnel, and they provide a $1,000 discount on your tuition.

Join Imagine America today and be matched with the automotive schools that offer our award-winning scholarship and award programs.