Car manufacturers today realize that in order to keep you as a valued customer, and in order to keep you loyal to their brand they must not only offer you the best service when you purchase the car, but they must continue to offer you superior service on your car after the sale. You will probably only deal with the car salesman once, but you may deal with the dealership service department many times during the time you own your car.

Today's auto mechanic has to be technically inclined as well as mechanically inclined. As auto makers are continually changing engines and adding more and more intricate computer technology into these engines auto dealerships are having to keep up with the times. These auto dealerships are seeking mechanics who are well versed in this new technology. Entry level positions in the field of automotive service and repair are not as plentiful as they once were and are harder to get without some type of specialized training.

Today's auto mechanics can earn good money. With enough experience some can earn upwards of $100,000 a year. It's also estimated that as many as 20% experienced mechanics go on to open their own successful repair shops. Specialization is becoming more and more common place in the world of automotive repair. It's not unusual in any automobile dealership today to find mechanics specializing in specific areas of car repair such as transmissions or brakes or exhaust or air conditioning. One new trend along with this specialization is for mechanics to specialize in one car maker, say BMW or Ford or Toyota. The more experience you have, the higher they salary you can demand. And, although there is no mandatory nationwide certification for automobile mechanics most dealerships offer continuing education through organizations such as the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) which only helps to increase your overall experience and your income potential.

Some auto makers such as Ford and Daimler Chrysler have programs where they are partnered with community colleges that offer technical and vocational students the ability to get hands on training at local dealerships. The program offered by Ford is called Ford Asset and the program offered by Daimler Chrysler is called Daimler Chrysler CAP or College Automotive Program. Through this program students can earn a 2-year Associates of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. Many students find that they are offered full-time employment positions after they successfully complete their schooling.