Ready to get started? Here are some resources and pathways you can explore to get started in a successful career as a Mechanic!
H eavy Machinery or Automotive Mechanic
Drive your path to success
Approach each project like a puzzle as a machine or automotive mechanic. Skilled mechanics and machinists are essential for the operation and reliability of machinery, creating ingenious solutions for mechanical systems using scientific and creative approaches. Inherently curious, hands-on individuals may find exactly what they’re looking for in this role.
T he Perks
As a machinery technician or machinist, you can work with both highly advanced software and hand tools to create solutions that serve a functional purpose and have a substantial positive effect on people’s lives.
2
Years
You can qualify for many entry- through high-level mechanic positions with a 2 year associate’s degree, or the right training and experience.
6
Growth
Total employment is expected to experience a minimum of 6% growth over the next 10 years.
50,860
Salary
The median starting pay for automotive and heavy machinery technicians.
Automotive Mechanic
Cadillac
I’ve always enjoyed working on stuff. To hear a car or truck fire up after a engine rebuild is like hearing heaven…fixing it right the first time and gaining customers respect has been great.
W hat Do I Need?
Within the heavy machinery and automotive industry, job requirements vary greatly. However, there are some inherent qualities that may make a career in this field more enjoyable for some individuals, as well as various experience-based qualifications that can help you advance to higher positions.
Curiousity
Automotive service technicians often benefit from a genuine curiosity of how systems work and how things fit together.
Vocational education
Although certification courses exist that can qualify you for these positions, an associate’s degree can help you to obtain advanced positions.
Apprenticeship
Working as an apprentice is a fundamental part of acquiring a job as a machinery technician, especially for those who lack an associate’s degree.
Critical-thinking skills
The ability to approach problems logically and systematically is essential when working with machines and engines.
People Skills
Many of the positions in this field require you to be involved in customer service and customer relations.
Coordination
Some work may require good manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Other tasks may demand strength and agility.
Y our Resources
Professional Truck Driving, CDL-A
5 week day class or 8 week night class, both are 200 non-credit hour programs that prepare students to enter the commercial driving industry as an over-the-road truck driver.
Diesel Technology, Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Certificate of Proficiency (CP), Certificate of Specialization (CS)
This program prepares you for careers as medium/heavy truck repair technicians. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in new vehicle dealerships, truck and bus leasing companies, street and highway departments and metropolitan transit facilities.
Careers at McCarthy
McCarthy has opportunities available for interested applicants across a broad range of experience levels, from interns to new grads to experienced professionals and skilled craft professionals alike. Explore open positions and opportunities at McCarthy here.
Careers at Paric
Gain an opportunity to work on projects that not only change the physical landscape around us, but also reshape communities and how people view them with a career at Paric. Find open positions in St. Louis here.
Learn 2 Earn – Ranken Technical College
Learn to Earn consists of a series of STEM activities offered between grades 6 – 12 that promote student participation in STEM careers, with an emphasis on recruiting female students. These registered activites can include in-school, out-of-school, summer activities, or addtional classes. Scholarship funding to Ranken is awarded to participating female students upon successful completion.
Ranken Automotive Technician Apprenticeship
Ranken Automotive Technician Apprenticeship teaches students skills in auto industry, helps earn educational credential and pays part-time wages. Apprentices learn about engine construction, fuel and ignition systems, power trains, brakes, transmissions, electronic and diagnostic equipment, and more.
