San Jose Job Corps Center Auto Mechanics

Auto Brakes and Alignment: In this course students learn drum and brake service, wheel alignment, wheel balancing, lubrication, struts, front suspension rebuilding, and power steering repair.

Auto Transmission Repair: In this course students learn the repair and maintenance of standard and automatic transmissions, air conditioning, and power train components.

Auto Tune Up Electrical Systems: In this course students learn basic tune-up procedures, repair of repair of starting and charging systems, and carburetor and fuel system diagnosis.

On the job, automotive mechanics repair and service automobiles and other gas-powered vehicles. They identify and fix problems with cars and trucks and do repairs to keep the vehicles in good condition and running smoothly. Automobile Mechanics have many duties, depending on the size and kind of shop in which they work. In smaller shops, mechanics do all kinds of repair work, like simple engine tune-ups to the tearing down, repairing and rebuilding of complete power systems. They also service and repair electrical systems; align and service suspension, braking and steering systems; repair and adjust transmissions and differentials; repair and service air conditioning, heating and engine-cooling systems; and do all necessary mechanical checks. In larger shops, some of this work may be done by specially trained mechanics, who mostly do one type of repair or service and may be assigned by their specialty, such as brake repairers, transmission mechanics or front-end mechanics.These specialists are assigned to do other jobs, but they must make sure all of the work is done.

Mechanics often have to work in awkward, cramped positions. Also, mechanics are often exposed to oil, grease, harsh chemicals, and cleaning products. It is very important that mechanics pay close attention to safety. Problems could include burns from hot engines, cuts from tools and sharpedged parts and flying particles from electric grinders. A lot of the work done by Automobile Mechanics is very physical and hard on the body. Many of the parts which must be removed and repaired are very heavy, but hydraulic and electrical jacks and hoists (pulleys) are used for lifting heavy parts, such as engines, transmissions and differentials. Most mechanics have to buy their own tools. As an apprentice, the mechanic may have to spend up to $500 or more on tools.By the time they reach journeylevel, a mechanic may have spent up to $10,000 on tools. Mechanics with a specialty like those who work on foreign cars may spend even more on tools because foreign cars need metric tools.

In small shops, there are few opportunities for advancement. In larger shops, repairers with several years of experience may
advance to supervisor or shop manager.

Automobile Mechanic jobs will grow a little faster than average. However, in most areas of the State, there are currently very many inexperienced mechanics available. There will be a need for experienced mechanics who know about these complex components, such as emission control systems. The opportunities for jobs are better for mechanics experienced in all kinds of automotive service and repair and for those possessing State licenses to service smog, brake and lamp systems.

To enroll in this San Jose Job Corps Course:

Automotive Brakes and Alignment: 510 TABE Math/Reading score, OR GED/HS diploma.

Automotive Transmission: 510 TABE Math/Reading score, OR GED/HS diploma.

Automotive Tune-Up: 540 TABE Math/Reading score, OR GED/HS diploma.

Job specific skills: Most employers hire trainees with at least a high school diploma who are familiar with basic automotive repair. Some employers prefer those who have graduated from vocational courses from community colleges or technical colleges or from an adult education program, such as available in Job Corps. Formal apprenticeship programs, which combine formal classroom and on-the-job training, are available in some areas.