AUTOMOTIVE

The power to keep things moving

 

A simple truth: Auto technicians do a lot more than repair and maintain vehicles. At first glance, it may not seem like it, until you consider the ripple effect. Without a working car, truck, or SUV, people can’t get to work, drive to a doctor appointment, take the family on vacation—you get the idea.

 

When it comes down to it, the freedom to come and go safely depends on a vehicle that’s ready to perform. Every auto technician who practices their craft gives that ability to drivers and passengers alike. The country needs talented professionals.

 

The auto tech industry has a major impact on the economy as well. In the U.S. alone, auto repair and maintenance have been worth approximately $66 billion in business. Globally, the market is expected to hit $690.07 billion in 2021.

 

The market is expected to keep growing now that we are seeing post-pandemic economic improvements. In April of 2020, there was a decrease in maintenance and repair when vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) dropped a whopping 48% across the country. That trend is rapidly changing.

 

People are returning to their usual driving habits. They’re also taking care of maintenance and repairs on vehicles that had been sitting idle. Current supply chain issues in terms of obtaining parts and materials mean there will be more business to come.

 

According to the 2020 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand report, the supply of auto repair techs is only one for every three needed. The report estimates that 642,000 technicians are going to be required between 2020 and 2024. This adds up to billions of dollars, a considerable impact on the Gross National Product (GNP).

 

Learning skills, earning a certification and developing one’s expertise takes time and effort. With changes in technology happening more rapidly every year, the profession will become more specialized than ever. Whether diesel or electric, auto techs will be called upon to diagnose, maintain and repair whatever comes next.

 

Since an auto tech can end up working on anything from a new SUV getting its first oil change to the brakes of a vintage sports car, the job never gets boring. An auto tech career can be extremely gratifying. Rather than sitting in endless meetings, you gain the satisfaction of finding problems and correcting them. Your work is valued by employers. And you’re helping people by facilitating their daily lives. Auto techs truly have the power to keep things moving.

 

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