What Are the Career Options After Automotive Tech School?

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: December 15, 2025

If you’ve decided to become an automotive technician, you’ll need to undergo certain training to ensure you’re ready to work with cars. Automotive technicians work on vehicles and ensure they’re in good working order for their customers.

Below, we’ll explore some of the career options, general duties, and training needed for automotive technicians. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our UEI advisors today.

Career Outcomes and Opportunities for Automotive Technicians

There are many different job titles automotive technicians can hold, each with only slightly different responsibilities. As you look for career opportunities, make sure you explore some of these additional job titles—you’ll likely be qualified for them as well.

What are the career options after automotive tech school? Here are a few of the common job titles and career outcomes for automotive technicians:

  • Automotive Mechanic
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Automotive Technician
  • Automotive Drivability Technician
  • Dealer Auto Service Technician
  • Diagnostic Technician
  • Independent Shop Auto Technician
  • Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician)
  • Mechanic
  • Parts Specialist
  • Service Technician
  • Service Writer

General Job Duties of Automotive Technicians

Automotive technicians work in all types of weather conditions and are responsible for working on all types of vehicles, including a variety of makes, models, and types. One day, you may find yourself working on a hybrid, and the next making repairs to a traditional gasoline engine.

Automotive technicians are heavily relied upon when vehicles break down, make unusual sounds, or require maintenance.

As mentioned above, automotive mechanics may have different job titles but typically perform very similar job duties. Some titles may lead to more responsibility, but in general, entry-level automotive technicians can find themselves working under any of the titles above.

Some of the job duties of an automotive technician include:

  • Performing regular vehicle maintenance
  • Inspecting vehicles
  • Diagnosing issues
  • Repairing vehicles
  • Ordering and replacing parts as needed

If you work for a dealership as an automotive technician, you will likely find that the dealership has specific steps for you to follow to ensure a vehicle is in good working order. These checklists include vehicle inspections and looking out for potential issues as the vehicle reaches certain mileage milestones.

Training Needed to Become an Automotive Technician

Most employers prefer students who have undergone some type of training. UEI College offers an Automotive Technician Program designed to equip you with the skills and training necessary for an entry-level role. You’ll learn how to diagnose vehicles and gain an understanding of how engines, brakes, and transmissions work. Our program can be completed in as few as 10 months.

Becoming an automotive technician doesn’t have to take years. If you’re interested in beginning a career in this field, you can do so by following just three simple steps:

  • Obtain your high school diploma. A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement for most automotive technician positions.
  • Begin training. Potential employers want to know you have the skills necessary to do the job. Not many are interested in teaching on the job. The best way to prove your ability is with a diploma from an automotive training program.
  • Apply for positions. Once you’ve completed the automotive tech program, you can begin applying for entry-level positions in the field.

For more tips and tricks about getting started in the automotive industry, visit our Automotive Technician Guide, which will provide you with everything you need to know about how to train to become an automotive technician at UEI College.

UEI College Can Help You Become an Automotive Technician Today

UEI College is here to help you succeed. If you’re thinking about training to become an automotive technician, we want to help. Our program allows you to train in an automotive lab that puts your skills and training to the test.

If you’d like to learn more about our program or take a tour at a nearby campus, contact us today!

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.