The face of auto mechanics is changing

When you think of an auto mechanic, a person using highly sophisticated computer equipment, often with a college degree in such technologies, isn't likely to come to mind at first. But it probably should.

The face of auto mechanics is changing, and changing that image and reputation attached to it is slowly happening as well.

"It used to be that to be a mechanic, you needed a good pair of hands and a strong back," said Automotive Youth Educational Systems Western Region Manager Roger Tadejewski. "Now, it's about having a good pair of hands guided by a good, strong mind. The days of the auto mechanic are gone. Now, they are automotive service technicians who are highly trained and sophisticated."

Tadejewski urged dealers to get involved with educational programs at the high school and college levels, because the students coming out of those programs are the future of the automotive industry.

"We have to work with these young adults to keep them in school and engaged in their activities," Tadejewski said. "AYES strives for that local partnership between schools and dealers because it benefits everyone -- the students right now, and the dealers and service centers in the future."

Tadejewski said one example of how the role of the automotive service technician has changed can be found in the equipment being used.

As technology creeps into the automotive field, like every industry, "tools" are a bit different than they used to be, and techniques are being refined.

"A lot of facilities are finding they are doing more and more work with latex gloves on because of the technology in today's vehicles," Tadejewski said.

"That's a long way from grease and wrenches. You couldn't have found a latex glove in a shop 10 years ago," Tadejewski added.