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So you’re thinking about a career in the trades? You are on to something: Jobs in the trades offer hands-on skills development, stellar earning potential, job stability, and fulfilling work.
This is everything you’ll discover when you enter the automotive repair industry as a technician. Our industry relies on young people pursuing trade school and apprenticeships with local automotive repair shops to learn the trade from the professionals, expand and grow their skills, and establish a foothold in the industry.
We tapped Andy Fiffick, Founder and CEO of Rad Air, to give us his personal take on what you should know before you take the first step to pursue a career in automotive repair.
How much do automotive technicians make?
Entry level pay is typically $15-20 per hour, and top-level, fully certified technicians can earn over 6-figures each year.
“There’s never been a better time to become an automotive technician,” said Andy.
What does a work day look like?
A typical work day is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week. No evenings or holidays.
What will my investment (and costs) in tools be?
“We require you only to provide your own basic tools,” said Andy. “All specialty tools and equipment that are needed are supplied and maintained for you by Rad Air.”
What is the longevity of a career in the automotive repair trade?
“The future for incoming automotive and light duty truck technicians has never been better,” said Andy. “Pay scales are up. Tons of free education is available. The technology changes, and we have no concerns about retiring as an automotive technician.”
Why is becoming an automotive technician a rewarding career path?
“If you are a goal-oriented or people-pleasing person, there’s no better career path for your personality,” said Andy. “The satisfaction of repairing a vehicle correctly the first time and the gratitude you receive from the client after you do is extremely rewarding.”
Rad Air is proud of their partnership with the Matrix Trade Institute in Beachwood, Ohio. Matrix, one of the fastest growing automotive trade schools in the country, aims to meet the increasing demand for productive, efficient, and thoroughly trained employees that automotive repair shops are seeking in Northeast Ohio and across the country. It is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
The partnership is unique in the automotive repair industry. Rad Air not only uses Matrix as a training institute for upcoming and current employees, but they also assist Matrix in designing and critiquing the numerous programs to make sure that they stay current with the industry needs.
Andreas Hobbs, a graduate of Garfield Heights High School, started at Rad Air with no experience in the automotive repair industry—but he had a desire to perform his job well and was an attentive listener. In a very short period of time, Andreas learned how to perform oil changes, brake alignments, and more. He attended Tri-Cs Automotive Technology Program and completed the apprentice program at Rad Air.
QUOTE FROM ANDREAS
“Andreas is a perfect example of a young person that had no idea as to where his career path would go until he did a high school shadowing program with Rad Air,” said Andy. “Immediately he was drawn to the industry and has not only excelled in school but in a few short years is well on his way to becoming a master technician.”