About the job:
Auto mechanics and technicians deal with all kinds of repairs and service issues for motor vehicles — from “basic” tasks like oil changes to more advanced work like brakes, suspensions, front-end alignments, water pumps and more. Motor vehicles now are much more computerized than in the past, requiring mechanics now to work with software and computer diagnostics. “These are not your ‘backyard’ kind of (mechanics),” said Tom Fusilli, owner of Ridgeway Sunoco in Greece, a station that has been around for more than 40 years and employs four mechanics.
Qualities needed:
Mechanical knowledge is key. Fusilli said he also looks for someone who is conscientious: “When they fix something, do it right. We want it done right.” Experience is also desired, Fusilli said, and mechanics should have their own tools to do the jobs.
Education/training needed:
Education is preferred, but not required. Mechanics can attend places like Monroe Community College, which offers a two-year auto-mechanics program. Those who receive ASE certification (from the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence) are in higher demand. Fusilli said such trained mechanics are taught the “why” behind repairs — how everything under the hood is related.
A lot of people, especially these days, learn of auto mechanics basics from tutorials on websites like Youtube.com.
Places like the Monroe Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) offer instruction in fields, including auto mechanics, to high school students. At places like Ridgeway Sunoco, Fusilli prefers to hire mechanics who have some experience and have done some “volume” work, like brake jobs. Those who are certified and have become master technicians can do all varieties of work, including electronics and transmissions.
What the job pays:
Novice mechanics are paid about $13 per hour, Fusilli said, and experienced mechanics make about $30 an hour. The New York State Department of Labor’s website states that the median salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the Finger Lakes region is about $41,000.
Fusilli noted that automotive dealerships pay their mechanics a “flat” (designated) rate for jobs, while places like his business pay an hourly rate.
The job picture:
Automotive service technicians and mechanics are listed as one of the most in-demand occupations by the New York State Department of Labor. “Everybody I know, they’re asking me, ‘If you know of anyone with an application, anyone with a heartbeat, let me know,’” Fusilli said. “When you find someone good, I’ll do my best to keep them.”
Fusilli said his brother was an auto mechanics teacher at Edison Tech High School who steered young mechanics his way. Two of them are still with him, both with more than 30 years of experience.
Quote from a hiring manager:
“It’s tough to find people who are trying to get into this line of work,” Fusilli said. “It’s tough work.”
As noted, the ongoing computerization of motor vehicles has dramatically changed things for mechanics. “I pay thousands for software for information to fix these cars,” Fusilli said. “You get ‘the code,’ which gives you the direction for where to go…but you still have to trace (the problem) down. It’s not like years ago. It’s a lot more difficult than it was in the past.”
Where to learn more:
One place to start is through Monroe Community College’s website for automotive technology.
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Alan Morrell is a Rochester-based freelance writer.
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