Have you been thinking about a career in the automotive field? There are many possibilities if you want to develop a natural mechanical skill or interest in automotive technology into a career path. From general automotive to specializations in diesel, motorcycle, or marine mechanics, there is a wide range of opportunities to think about when making long-term plans. Here are just some of the options you can consider for an automotive or manufacturing career in Southern California.

According to May 2017 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto techs and mechanics earn a national median wage of nearly $40,000 per year—with projected growth of 6% between 2016 and 2026. And with California having the highest number of automotive service technicians and mechanics of any state in the country, automotive technician and mechanic jobs can be a great option for those who are mechanically inclined and interested in pursuing automotive training in the state. According to The Orange County Register, Southern Californian auto sales have seen a drop in 2018: that may mean fewer jobs in dealerships but could forecast a higher need for mechanics as people drive their cars longer.

Car dealers account for 31% of auto service technician and mechanic jobs nationwide, while 27% work in mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance and 9% work in parts, accessories, and tire stores—as recorded by the 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. And if you’re looking for work on the California coast, you may also find increased opportunity for mechanic and manufacturing positions with marine specializations. Boats, ships, and other watercraft—even smaller vehicles, like personal or recreational watercraft—need maintenance and repair too.

Ready to pursue a career training program to become an automotive technician or mechanic? 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 even has scholarship and award programs to help lower the cost of tuition when you enroll at our member institutions. Thousands of students receive the awards each year, helping them attend one of more than 400 partner campuses. We’ve given more than 3,000 such awards to automotive students in Southern California alone. These scholarships and awards are designed to support recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current or honorably discharged military personnel. They provide a $1,000 discount on your tuition. Join Imagine America today and be matched with automotive schools that offer our scholarship and award programs.