Opportunities abound in the field of automotive engineering that not too many people may be aware of. There is always a continued demand for new, efficient vehicles and for well-trained personnel to repair and maintain them. Despite the downtrend in economic growth, the Department of Labor Statistics reveal that the demand for professional automotive technicians will be on the rise, at least until the year 2014. Those who gain formal training from automotive engineering schools will have a definite advantage of having a steady career in this field.
Work Tasks and Responsibilities
Typically, an automotive engineering technician handles various responsibilities, from testing the performance of an automotive system and its components to even fabricating or modifying prototypes. He is also tasked to inspect parts and check for defects, recommend improvements, as well as install necessary equipment to achieve maximum performance. He may be also asked to monitor test equipment, and to conduct regular maintenance and repair. As he advances in his field, he may be given supervisory responsibilities, tasked to delegate duties to other technicians.
Training Requirements
If you have always had a passion for cars, perhaps you could put your talent to use by becoming an automotive engineer. As designs for automobiles become more complex, especially now that car manufacturers are trying to devise more environmentally-friendly vehicles, being a part of this burgeoning industry can be both challenging and rewarding.
Most car manufacturing and repair companies require their technicians and mechanics to, at the least, finish their high school education or acquire a certificate of training from commercial colleges. There are also many repair technicians who master their trades through apprentice training. However, if you are targeting for professional growth in the industry, you should complete a degree from accredited automotive engineering schools.
A high GPA is required before you may be admitted into an automotive engineering program. Preferably, you should have above average grades in math and sciences, and an overall good standing on other subjects.
You may also choose to get your training from commercial colleges or car design schools that offer an automotive technology program. This program is usually completed within 2 years, and requires only about 70 credits. Automotive design schools may supplement your training through an apprentice program that may be integrated into the coursework. If you desire to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Degree, the credits you gained from your 2-year training may be transferred.
Top 3 Automotive Engineering Schools
There are more than 75 state colleges and universities all over the country that offer excellent automotive engineering programs. Here are just 3 of the top schools, which have produced very proficient graduates and which have also been consistent winners in car-building inter-school competitions.
1. University of Michigan
Several alumni from this University are holding or have held top positions in automotive companies, which qualifies it as a top-ranking school for automotive engineering,
2. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Engineers from car manufacturers and dealers in Detroit are usually graduates from this University.
3. University of Texas
Students in this university have competed and won more than a dozen times in the Formula SAE (FSAE) in the US and in Japan.
Skills Required
After completing an automotive engineering degree, you should have acquired the basic skills of troubleshooting and a good grasp of the main concepts involved in automotive design. Your communication skills should also have improved, as this will allow you to be a better team player. You would be in a better position if your leadership skills were also developed during your training. Having the right skills and confidence can easily prime you up for supervisorial or managerial positions later in your career.
Scholarships and Grants
Most car manufacturers and dealers provide financial assistance for students who want to acquire an associate degree in automotive engineering. Students who take part in these programs are required to work with the company during and after completing their training.
As the government encourages developing talent in industries, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA of the Department of Labor) has dedicated more than $20 million for high growth job training grants in automotive engineering. To find out more about these training opportunities, visit the office of the Department of Labor in your state.
A private organization, the Automotive Hall of Fame in Michigan also supports several scholarships for automotive engineering technicians. There are other organizations that provide scholarships for minorities who would want to study in automotive engineering schools. Among these are the Tribal Scholarships for Native Americans which provide $5,000 per scholar and the American Indian College Fund which awards $10,000 to Alaskans, Hawaiians and Native Americans.
Salary Expectations
Most entry level automotive engineering jobs offer an annual salary of at least $48,000. As you progress in the field and as you get more years of experience and training, you may achieve higher salaries and more benefits. Salaries and benefits differ, depending on the state where you would be working and the amount of training and experience that you have acquired.
In order to develop the skills which can give you an advantage in this industry, do your research on automotive engineering schools. Choose the one that can give you the best training and can prepare you to excel in this field.